Royal Bhutan Police bolsters drug crackdown efforts

 

…796 arrested for drug cases in 2023

"Community unity builds a stronger nation."

 

In line with International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking on June 26, Deputy Chief of Police (DCoP), Colonel Passang Dorji sends a strong message to everyone for creating a drug-free society.

 

 

In response to the increasing substances abusers in the country and adhering to His Majesty the King's address during the 115th national day to pave a better way for youth, the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) under the involvement of the Chief of Police himself has made the implementation process stricter with dedicated and concentrated function in all police divisions with dedicated drug crackdown units.

 

 

According to the statistics with police, between January and June 25 this year, police apprehended 1702 individuals for criminal incidences of which 796 individuals were arrested on drug cases.

 

 

Thimphu division arrested the highest – 269 individuals, Phuentsholing in the close second with 242 cases. Meanwhile, Bumthang recorded only one case in the past six months.

 

 

DCoP said that police require public support in its strict enforcement and implementation efforts to ensure that drug problems and instances are eliminated from society. "The problem of substance abuse has spread across the country, and unlike other cases, if RBP does not actively monitor it, there won't be many coming forward to file complaints." He credited the establishment of police drug squads and frequent border surveillance that has improved the quality of community service.

 

 

"Police is not trying to create public fear rather correct the criminal incidents in the country as a measure to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking," he said.

 

The Integrated Check-Posts (ICPs), he said, have helped the police to keep track of criminals and timely intervention. "Similarly, the mandatory nationwide drug test that is underway will be carried out to all drivers: professional driving license (PDL) holders, government vehicle drivers, military personnel, and private drivers."

 

 

According to police records, 107 drivers with PDL tested positive – of the 3,096 tested. Of which, 14 were taxi drivers, 31 were private employees, 4 were students, 36 were unemployed and 22 other drivers tested positive for drugs.

 

 

Going by the reported cases, 2022 was the year with the highest number of people involved in drug-related cases in the last five years. A total of 2,836 individuals were arrested for crime compared to 2,572 cases in 2021.

 

 

Last year, drug-related crimes amounted to 19.9 percent of all criminal activity. In terms of particular forms of drug crimes in 2022, substance abuse accounted for 78 percent, followed by illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances at 36 percent.

 

World Drug Day, marked on June 26 every year is to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. For this year the theme is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.”

Drop in fuel prices should bring down cost

 ... Bhutan to save Nu 1.3 billion to 1.7 billion a year in petrol and diesel prices 

There was relief in the spring air when the news of fuel price drop, the biggest drop in recent years, was shared hundreds of times within a few minutes of breaking. Fuel has become expensive. Without alternatives, there is not much we could do except grumble and pay. 

The price of diesel and petrol determines the inflation rate. Cost of transportation is a major driving force of inflation. Largely dependent on land transport, with all goods transported in the back of trucks, an increase in fuel price leads to an increase in the price of goods, including essentials, public transport and even housing.  This was evident from the reaction to the news of the fuel price change.  A common comment was calling for taxi drivers to “note the change” – in other words, to slash taxi fares.

While there is an automatic increase in fares and cost of transportation following a hike in fuel price, it is not so when the prices go down. With the price of diesel slashed by Nu 13 a litre and by Nu 12 for petrol, it is a big decline to bring an immediate impact on the cost of transport and therefore, essentials.

The high price of fuel, especially diesel, was attributed to policy interventions not being able to bring down the cost of goods. The government, to check inflation, slashed customs duty on goods imported from third countries not long ago. The duty covered almost 500 items, from fruits and vegetables, cereals and coffee, spices and seafood, which saw the duty by 30 to 40 percent. Did it bring down the cost? The answer is a big ‘no’ and the reason is that the increase in fuel price offset the slash in duty.

It might have been the case. However, with the biggest drop in fuel price, we should see the benefit trickle down to the consumers, starting from the cost of food, transport and construction materials. This would bring down the inflation rate.

As we enter the second quarter of the year, the inflation rate, which is already on a decline at 4.33 percent from the projected 5.5 percent, is good for the economy that is beginning, albeit slowly, to recover.  Global crude oil prices fluctuate every now and then. It determines the price of fuel. While we can only wish the new price to remain for months, even a year, the new price should benefit all. 

Relevant authorities should not leave it at the whims of transporters or those in the public transport business.

Opening access to information: nurturing informed and constructive democracy

 

In a world where information is power, access to information plays a critical role in determining public policies and encouraging informed and productive debate. Bhutan’s recent drop in press freedom rankings is cause for concern, as it demonstrates the growing limits on information availability and their negative influence on democratic processes. To build a flourishing democracy, citizens must have access to information that allows them to participate actively and responsibly in decision-making.

Access to information is critical for encouraging transparency and accountability in society. Citizens who have unfettered access to official information can hold government agencies and public figures accountable for their conduct. This builds trust between the government and citizens and promotes responsible governance. By expanding access to information, we can also enhance our democratic institutions and strengthen our commitment to good governance.

Informed decision-making is essential to democracy. Citizens who have access to a wealth of information can make well-informed decisions that reflect their interests and values. Informed citizens may critically examine government policies, programmes, and actions, resulting in more effective and desirable consequences for society as a whole. We should not inhibiting people’s ability to contribute effectively to public dialogue and policymaking by restricting information access.

The presence of robust and productive debates is an essential component of a functioning democracy. And, we can develop an environment friendly to varied opinions and ideas through increasing information availability. Citizens who have access to knowledge can participate in educated conversations that challenge current narratives, examine assumptions, and eventually contribute to policy evolution. Informed and productive conversations foster creativity, highlight potential flaws, and result in more balanced, inclusive policies that benefit all elements of society.

Open information access strengthens public institutions by fostering a culture of transparency and professionalism. When officials and civil servants are allowed to share necessary information, they can effectively carry out their duties and serve as reliable sources for the media. By providing a formalized channel and process for information sharing, as proposed by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Bhutan can ensure authenticity, transparency, and accountability while dispelling concerns of misuse or unauthorised disclosures.

Public policies in a democracy should be created via informed and constructive debate. Therefore, we must understand the value of information access in cultivating a vibrant democracy, promoting openness, allowing informed decision-making, stimulating constructive debate, and fortifying public institutions. 

Street hawking: Seeking practical solutions

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Despite the government’s previous ban on street hawking, the problem persists, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and practical solution that balances the socioeconomic realities of the hawkers with the concerns of public safety, urban planning, and formal businesses.

While street hawking provides a means of survival for many individuals, it brings forth a range of challenges that cannot be overlooked. Public safety remains a pressing concern, as unregulated vendors congest sidewalks, obstruct traffic, and expose both themselves and pedestrians to potential accidents. Moreover, the lack of quality control and sanitary standards associated with street hawking poses risks to public health.

Another issue is the informal nature of street hawking, which often leads to tax evasion, undermining the formal economy. Established businesses operating from fixed locations are burdened with taxes and regulations, placing them at a disadvantage against the informal sector. Additionally, urban planning suffers as street hawking hampers the intended use of public spaces and detracts from the aesthetic appeal of the city.

Rather than a complete ban, a more practical approach to street hawking in Thimphu would involve implementing regulatory frameworks and support systems to address the challenges while acknowledging the socioeconomic realities of the hawkers.

Allowing designated areas where street hawking can operate without impeding pedestrian flow and traffic is a good move by the government. By establishing well-planned hawking zones, the government can centralise activities, ensuring public safety, and easing the burden on urban spaces.

Introducing a licensing system that regulates the number of hawkers allowed in each zone is another way to streamline the issue. This can help control overcrowding and ensure that vendors adhere to certain standards, such as hygiene and safety practices. Regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance should also be enforced.

Recognising the economic necessity of street hawking, the government is planning to offer vocational training programs to hawkers to enhance their skills. This can certainly empower them to explore alternative livelihood options and transition into formal employment sectors.

For all these to succeed, though, engaging relevant stakeholders will be critically necessary, including street hawkers, urban planners, business associations, and civil society organisations. Their input can help shape policies that strike a balance between economic inclusivity and urban development.

Public awareness and education can also help: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of supporting formal businesses while also fostering empathy towards street hawkers.

Dealing with the growing street hawking dilemma in Thimphu calls for a pragmatic and comprehensive approach. What we know is that banning street hawking, which has been tried before, will not work. It is unfair on a certain section of the population.

Climate advocate Jamyang embarks on journey to raise urgency for climate action

 

In a gesture aimed at capturing the attention of world leaders, Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk, a climate advocate from Thimphu, is undertaking a remarkable journey called “The Messenger-Ride for Action.” His mission is to shed light on the devastating impacts of climate change and mobilise urgent global efforts for mitigation.

“The Messenger-Ride for Action” amplifies the collective voice of nearly two billion people residing in Himalayan communities, who heavily rely on glacial water and bear the brunt of climate change-induced challenges.

Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk, a 40-year-old former actor turned environmental advocate, was inspired to embark on this extraordinary journey during a leadership workshop in New York in 2020, a city that bore witness to the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Although I have been an environmental enthusiast since a young age, it was during the pandemic that I conceived the idea of a climate advocacy project,” Jamyang shared.

Driven by an intensified sense of responsibility, Jamyang has tirelessly advocated for climate action post-pandemic, engaging with over 15 schools and colleges. “To effectively communicate my message to the youth, I cycled through 15 dzongkhags of Bhutan, raising awareness about climate action,” he said.

To underscore the perils of plastic pollution, Jamyang ingeniously repurposed a discarded plastic bottle he stumbled upon during his journey, using it to collect melted ice from Thorthomi. “The bottle has evolved into a potent symbol of climate action, while the ice serves as a poignant representation of melting glaciers,” he said.

In a span of just 13 days, Jamyang completed the inaugural edition of his campaign, reaching Lunana. Describing his arduous expedition, he recounted, “I arrived at Thorthomi after an arduous week-long journey, walking for approximately eight hours each day.”

The campaign revolves around three key messages: planting and nurturing trees, making an immediate transition to renewable energy sources, and integrating climate studies into school curricula.

The second leg of Jamyang’s journey commenced on May 2 of this year, with a focus on each continent consecutively, starting with the Asia edition. “My plan is to cycle across the Himalayas and ultimately arrive in Dubai, where the COP28 climate summit is scheduled to take place in December,” he declared.

Embarking on the next leg in late September, Jamyang’s ride will traverse through Delhi (India), Karachi (Pakistan), and Muscat (Oman) en route to Dubai. His ultimate objective is to present the symbolic bottle to the Bhutanese delegation at COP28, imploring them to address the urgent issue of climate change in the presence of global leaders.

“I envision completing the Messenger-Ride for Action in all seven continents, as it has already been two years since the journey began,” Jamyang said with determination.

According to Jamyang, it took him one week to cycle from Bhutan to Nepal. “I arrived in Kathmandu on May 10,” he confirmed.

After a brief period of rest and recovery, Jamyang and his 71-year-old father Penden Wangchuk resumed their journey on May 13 from Kathmandu. “We followed the trail taken by Tenzin Norgay and Edmund Hillary nearly 70 years ago.” 

The gruelling trek from Phakding to Lobuche, the base camp, lasted from May 16 to May 22. “I cycled whenever possible, and upon reaching the base camp, I experienced an overwhelming sense of fulfillment, clutching the bottle in my hands as I conversed with the Sherpas,” Jamyang said.

He added, “Lhakpa Nuri Sherpa, a 45-year-old who has triumphed over Mount Everest 22 times, acquired glacial ice from the South Pole glacier at Everest for us.”

Documenting the mid-way journey to COP28, Jamyang collaborated with Ben Clark, an American filmmaker and athlete who was deeply moved by the advocate’s cause.

“On May 29, I had an interview with BBC about this campaign and our journey towards Mount Everest, which called for immediate action from global leaders,” Jamyang said.

Nonetheless, the journey has posed significant challenges, such as restricted filming permits, denial of the use of an electric vehicle in Nepal, and securing sufficient funds to complete the campaign. “Despite these hurdles, we remain hopeful that more organisations and agencies, concerned about climate change and the need for urgent action, will support our cause, in addition to ICIMOD, Bhutan Ecological Society, Department of Energy and Climate Change, Drukair, Department of Tourism, and Kuenphen Motors, who have already provided assistance,” he said.

According to the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), the Bhutan Glacial Lake Inventory Survey 2021 identified a total of 2,979 water bodies in the country, compared to 2,674 in the 2001 ICIMOD inventory. Among them, 567 are glacial lakes spread across four basins, covering a distance of 55 kilometers, with 17 of them classified as potentially dangerous, down from 25 in the 2001 inventory.

With over 70 percent of Bhutanese settlements located along these four different drainage basins, the rapid melting of glacial lakes due to rising global temperatures poses a severe threat to the population.

Jamyang’s Messenger-Ride for Action embodies a call to action, emphasising the urgent need for international cooperation and commitment to combat climate change. As he continues his journey, he hopes to inspire a global movement that will ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Community unites to build dream home for elderly

 

At the twilight of her life, 87-year-old Moti Maya Rai got a new house. It is in some ways a new beginning for the family. Moti Maya and her family of four have moved into the new house built by a group of volunteers.

The house, with four rooms, is the result of an inspiring display of unity and community vitality among residents of Doophugchen (Dorokha), Samtse. An unofficial youth group called Nirvana Path Community took up the initiative while members of the community supported it along with many volunteers who came forward for help.

Today, the elderly mother, two of her daughters and son-in-law live happily in their new home. Recollecting their financial condition, the mother said that they were worried about their old house with the monsoon approaching.

Buddhi Maya Rai, 43, the younger daughter said that their old house with CGI zinc sheets and partly thatched roof would not shelter them during monsoon. “This is a dream come true for my mother who for years wished for a new house for her family.”

Buddhi Maya works in one of the farms in the village and is the sole breadwinner. “ My salary is not enough to support the family. I couldn’t even dream of building a house,” she said. Both her sister and in-law are disabled. She requested the group of volunteers who were willing to come forward to support.

After they moved into the new house following a simple ritual, the volunteers also provided them with some simple furniture and ration.

Amrith Bahadur Limbu, a volunteer said that over 70 volunteers joined the initiative to construct the house for the village elder. “The house is an outcome of unity and common understanding in the community. Although, there is no personal gain in it – the difference we could create is worth the effort.”

Tshering Penjor, the treasurer and a volunteer said that the project has been supported through community volunteers, financial assistance, assets and labour support. 

The one-storey house with four rooms was constructed in a modern style using concrete and CGI sheets. The construction was completed in two months costing about Nu 100,000.

Doophugchen Gup, Phuntsho said that this is the second initiative from the people of Dorokha gewog. “The community members are in the process of completing another house for another elderly mother in the gewog,” he said. “Such support stands as a testament to the collective power of unity, inspiring others to follow suit and create positive change in their communities.”

Reservations on the convention could deprive rights: Experts

In what is a welcome development for people with disabilities, the National Assembly ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on June 14. 

However, there were some reservations, particularly on four articles related to Liberty to Movement and Nationality (Article 18), Respect for home and family (Article 23), Work and Employment (Article 27), and Participation in political and public life (Article 29). 

The reservations, those following the discussion on the Convention said, were a result of a lack of proper deliberation or understanding, causing confusion among implementing agencies.

On Article 23, foreign affairs and external trade minister, Dr Tandi Dorji, during the discussion on June 13, said that the possibility of PWDs with genetic disorders giving birth to disabled children is higher, which he said, was not in accordance with the health safety guidelines and policy in Bhutan. Lyonpo later clarified to Kuensel that the severity of the disorder has not been defined in the convention, which is not medically advised.

Executive Director of the Disabled People’s Association of Bhutan, Kinley Wangchuk said that the reservations are not clear. “The ratification is a supportive journey for PWDs in Bhutan. Yet,  the reservations on certain sections will deprive them of basic human rights.”

The NA members also raised reservations on the right to liberty of movement and nationality.  

This reservation, Kinley Wangchuk said could result in discriminatory practices where individuals with disabilities are denied or stripped of their nationality solely due to their disability. They may face barriers, he said, in accessing essential services and participating in civic activities. 

Board Member of the association, Dr Sanga Dorji said that disability is a huge spectrum covering various aspects of disability. “Government, while ratifying such conventions, putting reservation way before its implementation can hinder PWDs’ ability to prove their citizenship, access public services, and ability to travel.”

On the reservation of PWDs’ right to respect for home and the family, Dr Sanga Dorji said that the government did not make a clear distinction between the way the articles were discussed and the reservations put forward.

“Although the articles show no major challenges today, in the long-run, this may hinder PWDs in availing certain services.”

“While there could be challenges like PWDs lacking financial support increasing their vulnerability to poverty, PWDs are deprived of their rights to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children,” he said. 

According to Kinley Wangchuk, without a proper family support system, PWDs may lack the necessary care, shelter, and resources to sustain themselves. “The denial of their reproductive rights and limited access to relevant information and education can exacerbate their vulnerability and contribute to their increased risk of homelessness-led issues like social isolation, diminished well-being, and reduced access to necessary services.”

The NA members, mostly cabinet ministers, also expressed reservations on PWDs’ right to work and employment. 

During the discussion, Lyonchen Dr Lotay Tshering said that these reservations on labour and trade union rights were to ensure that there is no conflict with the national trade laws and policies.

Ability Bhutan Society’s programme officer, Namgay Dorji said, depriving PWDs to work and employment is one of the major pull-backs from this convention. “Although no international trade unions are present in Bhutan, when individuals and organisations wish to take part in international trade unions, the reservations will hamper them.”

He added that there is a risk of depriving PWDs from doing business at an international level. “The reservation is an exclusion of PWDs from economic decision-making processes in the country that can result in policies and laws that do not adequately address the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.”

Section A of article 29 ensures that PWDs can effectively and fully participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others. However, the reservation has deprived PWDs from participation in political and public life. 

Opposition Leader, Dorji Wangdi said that over 15,000 Bhutanese are living with some form of disability. “Over 2.8 percent of Bhutanese fall under PWDs. The government in its ratification should rather approve all the articles instead of expressing reservations,” he said. 

Sanga Dorji said that the election laws gave PWDs the right to vote and take part in elections with proper support and encouragement till now. “There is no need for a reservation because PWDs who cannot take part productively in elections have not been included even today.” The convention, he said, is an international convention. “Bhutan should not deprive PWDs of their fundamental right to be a part of the election system.” 

Similarly, Kinley Wangchuk said that reservation about participation in political and public life impedes progress towards inclusive and responsive governance. “Voting is a fundamental right and we have witnessed senior citizens who are PWDs taking part effectively. The denial of this right undermines the principles of equality and non-discrimination.”

Health Minister, Dechen Wangmo clarified that the reservation on the Convention should not be misconstrued as not supporting the PWDs, but to provide policy space for the government in keeping with the socio-economic development situation of the country. The government, Lyonpo said, has a National Disability Policy since 2019 and will continue to look into the issues despite the reservations on four articles. 

The convention is a comprehensive human rights instrument with an explicit, social development dimension.

As of date, there are 173 State Parties to the Convention.