The Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley’s government has released the annual budget of Nu 34.5 billion for the fiscal year 2012-13 during the budget session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Finance minister Wangdi Norbu
Finance Minister Wangdi Norbu presented the annual budget, which is Nu 4.4 billion below the previous year’s budget. The budget for the last fiscal year was Nu 37.9 billion.
According to Minister Norbu, this is final budget of the 10th five year plan.
The new budget shows that government’s current expenditure shot up to Nu 18.3b, which is a lift by Nu 1b from the last year. Of this, some 43 % has been planned to meet wages and salaries of civil servants and other government officials.
It has been proposed that the remaining budget of Nu 16.3b would be sufficient to meet capital expenditures.
Annual budget allocation for ministries included the highest amount of Nu 10.4b for the Ministry of Finance while the ministry at bottom-line to satisfy with Nu 436 million is the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources.
The Finance Minister also announced that “no funds have been allocated to buy vehicles, build staff quarters, fencing, compound wall and gates, and annual conferences”.
The government also estimated that the total revenue in the fiscal year would go up by 13.66 percent, standing enough to meet current expenditure.
The 51st World Refugee Day was observed with various programs in Beldangi camp today.
Refugees partifipating for rally to mark Refugee Day in Beldangi Camp. Photo; Tilak Niroula
Hundreds of school children, representatives of various agencies and camp based organizations, teachers and volunteers among others took part in a mass rally on Wednesday morning.
Like in previous years, various stage programs were held after the rally. Artists performed dances and songs followed by speeches from various guests.
Speaking at the program, Beldani Camp Secretary Dhan Bir Subba, who was also the chief guest of the function, thanked the UNHCR and Government of Nepal for their generosity and supports.
This year the WRD has carried a global theme ‘one refugee forced to flee is too many’.
Only about 16% of the Bhutanese students who appeared in the School Leaving certificate(SLC), equivanence of Year 10, have made through the iron gate this year.
File photo: Students of Tri-Ratna Secondary School
Out of 141 passed outs, 63 passed in first division, 100 passed in second division and 6 passed in third division.
According to the Caritas Nepal, 890 students including 15 exempted ,appeared in the exam held from March 20-29 this year.
The examinations were held at Pancha-oti English school at Beldangi for three Beldangi camp schools,Temai and Sanischare while students from Goldhap and Khudunabari wrote their SLC exams in local schools.
The overall pass percentage of students appearing SLC has dropped by 8.34 % as compared to last year according to a report prepared by the Office of the Controller of Examinations.
In a joint press release issued by Bhutan People’s Part (BPP),Bhutanese Refugee Representative Repatriation Committee(BRRRC), Druk National Congress (Democratic) and Bhutan Gorkha Natipnal Liberation Front(BGNF) signed by the head and officiating head of these organizations on 13th June 2012, it is announced that Bhutanese Movement Steering Committee has been dissolved henceforth.
Tek Nath Rizal
The press release states the failure of Chairman Tek Nath Rizal to conduct appropriately for the advancement of BMSC program as the chief reason to dissolve it.
The press release reads, ‘the BMSC deliberately failed to discharge its responsibility, thereby failing in the duties of chairman as the highest responsible portfolio of Bhutanese movement.’
The joint press release also states the single-mindedness attitude, non-transparent financial gains and misuse of BMSC portfolio to have such gains by the chairman. He is alleged of not consulting matters with the committee members and thus many of them have diverged with disappointment.
However, Rizal has taken the action of dissolution to be an attempt to denigrate his image. He comments, “In fact, BMSC has turned out to be less meaningful when majority of the refugees and the leaders opted to resettle. But this will not lessen my commitment for the cause of human rights and democracy in Bhutan.”
Similarly, BRRRC chairman, Dr.Bhampa Rai alleged the signature of his done without his physical presence in the joint sitting.
Resettlement has not erased the past lives of many refugees who come to US for living an independent life and be self-sufficient economically. This was reflected in resettlement agencies organizing the world refugee day programs in various states of US.
Hemanta Ghimirey Biswa dances in the program.
In one such program organized by Migration and Refugee services ( catholic charities) on 15th June in Louisville, Kentucky, the former refugees and the fresh arrivals came together to share the same experience of living as refugees. The country flags standing in the décor of program hall made the former refugees to feel attached to their country.
In the opening of a cultural show from the diverse communities, the director of MRS Mr.Darko Mihaylovich and director of Metro office of globalization Mr.Suhas Kulkarni spoke about the opportunities of making a good life after resettlement.
Cultural dance and songs were presented by communities from Bhutan, Congo, Burundi, Cuba and Somalia.
Similarly, a festival was hosted on 16th June by Lutheran Social service, tobacco education and engagement project and Ucare in Twin cities, Minnesota with a motto ‘Many Traditions, One Minnesota’. The programs included entertainment, resource fair and much more.
The three day third national convention of the Organization of Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA) organized with a theme ‘Together we’ll build a better community’ that took place here in the Sun City—Phoenix, Arizona ended Sunday amidst various programs.
According to the event organizer, representatives from more than two dozen States across the US participated during the event that presented various programs including group discussions on contemporary issues, cultural shows, premier show of the movie called the ‘Suruwat, ek naya jiwan’, honoring an organization for its contribution, among others.
Audience watching movie Suruwat – ek naya jiwan. Photo/BNS.
The second day, Saturday, saw the presentation of updates of the resettled Bhutanese in various States from the OBCA representatives and some individuals who travelled miles to this Sun City greeting 106deg Fahrenheit temperature outside the convention venue. A majority of those who updated the status of the Bhutanese resettled in their respective States also stressed on the need of forming a single national level organization. DJ Khaling, Chairman of the organization, while addressing the mass made it clear that his organization was in regular touch with the Association of Bhutanese in America (ABA) and that the unification of the two is one of his top agendas. He further stated that it is the need of the hour to move united for the common cause.
ABA Chairman, Dr. Purna Chhetri (L) handing appreciation letter to Bhuwan Ranpal, one of the artists in the movie Suruwat. The main artists in the movies were offered appreciation letters. Photo/BNS.
Various groups including independent and OBCA’s members also discussed and presented the verbal reports concerning different sectors such as the literature, games & sports, media, among others on the second day. The group’s focus, according to OBCA, was aimed at highlighting the plight and future role of these sectors to contribute for a vibrant society here in the USA.
Meanwhile, the OBCA also released the premier show of the movie called the ‘Suruwat, ek naya jiwan’. An estimated three hundred audience were present during the show of this two-hour-long social movie. The movie is based on various contemporary social issues prevailing in Diaspora, in particular USA.
Responding to a BNS query, Bhanu Tiwari, one of the main artists in the movie, expressed his hope that the movie will have a good market among the Bhutanese resettled in the USA and entire Diaspora in general. “I hope every Bhutanese will watch this movie and provide us positive feedback. This will serve as an asset to continue working on the field in near future,” Tiwari added, who attended the premier show on Saturday evening.
Tek Bir Chhetri (L) shaking hands with Thinley Penjore, chief guest of the program after receiving the cash. Photo/Nandu Chauhan.
Tek Bir Chhetri, Chairman of the Foundation received the felicitation letter from the hand of DJ Khaling, Chairman of OBCA while Thinley Penjore, chief guest of the function handed over $ 500 to Chhetri. The day also saw various cultural performances including dance & songs from local artists. TP Mishra of BNS was the recipient of the award last year.
The date for next year’s convention, according to OBCA chairman, is not yet scheduled. He further informed BNS over the phone that his organization will explore the option of organizing a joint and a single national level convention of Bhutanese after discussing with ABA.
Delegates meet accident
Meantime, a four member team of delegates to OBCA convention who were heading to Phoenix met an accident on Saturday, informed victims. A Chrysler car they were riding in was hit by a KIA car from behind at 11:30 am in busy I-70 highway in Denver, Colorado. Aboard were Karna Gurung, Amir Magar, Govin Magar and Duka Gurung , all from Nebraska, representing the Bhutanese Community of Nebraska.
A report sent to BNS from Nebraska said, ‘Of the four, Amir Gurung and Karna Gurung are more seriously injured than the other two. Amir’s shoulder has got injury while Karna complains of severe pain in hip and jaw’. The report also mentioned that it took three hours to complete the report taking by police and clearing the mishap site. After the accident, Bhutanese living in Denver were called for immediate help. Pradeep Khadka and Bhim Khadka came to their rescue and helped to fix matters more easily. However, more has to done to complete all the formalities with police, towing facility and rental company, says one report from Denver. BNS could not verify the accident news independently.
Editor’s note: The news has been revised and edited since last published to ensure clarity and facts.
ड्रुक नेसनल कांग्रेस (डी.एन.सी) ले भनेको छ कि उसले आफ्ना संस्थापक अध्यक्ष आर.के. दोर्जीले रचना गरेका कविताहरुको संग्रह प्रकाशित गरेकोछ |
“यस संग्रहले भूटानी प्रजातान्त्रिक संघर्षका आशा, निराशा अनि संकल्पलाई प्रतिबिम्बित गर्दछ”, शनिबार प्रकाशित प्रेस वक्तव्यमा उक्त पार्टीका महासचिव कर्मा डुपथोबले भनेका छन् |
पार्टीको अठारौं वार्षिकोत्सवको उपलक्ष्यमा आज काठमाडौँमा आयोजित एउटा विशेष कार्यक्रममा मानवअधिकारवादी नेता टेकनाथ रिजालले उक्त पुस्तकको लोकार्पण गरेका थिए | स्वर्गीय दोर्जीले जुन १६, १९९४ मा डी.एन.सीको स्थापना गरेका थिए |
“टेकनाथ रिजालले डी.एन.सीले भूटानमा प्राप्तिको लागि गरेको संघर्षको सफलताको कामना गर्नु भयो”, वक्तव्यमा भनिएको छ |
पार्टीका अध्यक्ष केसाङ लेन्डुपले कार्यकर्ताहरुलाई उनीहरुले भूटानमा प्रजातन्त्र प्राप्त गर्नको लागि कठोर संघर्ष गर्नुपर्ने बारेमा स्मरण गराएका थिए |
“उहाँले भूटानभित्र रहेका प्रजातन्त्रवादीहरुले प्रजातान्त्रिक परिपाटीलाई मज्भुत बनाउन कडा परिश्रम गर्न आग्रह गर्नुभयो”, लेन्डुपलाई उद्धृत गर्दै वक्तव्यमा भनिएको छ |
The Druk National Congress (DNC) has said that it published an anthology of poems composed by its founding president late R.K. Dorji.
Rizal releases late Dorji's book in presence of DNC President Lhendup
“The book reflects despair, hope and promise of Bhutanese democratic struggle,” DNC General Secretary Karma Dupthob said in a press statement issued, Saturday.
Human rights activist Tek Nath Rizal released the book at a function organized in Kathmandu earlier today to mark the party’s 18th anniversary. DNC was founded by late Dorji on June 16, 1994.
“Tek Nath Rizal wished DNC all the success in its struggle to established genuine democracy in Bhutan. He would extend all help and assistance required to the party for working towards creating Bhutan a peace, sovereign and prosperous nation where all citizens are free and happy,” the statement said.
Kesang Lhendup, President of the party reminded the members and friends present during the celebration program that members must work hard to established inclusive democracy in Bhutan highlighted the statement.
“He urged the democrats inside Bhutan to continue to work hard and contribute towards strengthening the democratic institutions in Bhutan,” Lhendup said, according to DNC statement.
संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघीय शरणार्थीका लागि उच्चायुक्त (युएनएचसीआर) का डेपुटी कमिसनर टी. अलेक्सान्डरले अमेरिकाले भूटानी शरणार्थीहरुलाई पुनर्बास गराउने आफ्नो क्षमताका बारेमा प्रष्ट नपारेको बताएका छन् |
उनले उक्त कुरा शुक्रबार काठमाडौँमा युएनएचसीआरले आयोजना गरेको पत्रकार भेटघाट कार्यक्रममा बताएका हुन् |
“यस वर्ष युएनएचसीआरले करिव १५,००० भूटानी शरणार्थीहरु पुनर्बास गराउनेछ”, उनले भने | “अमेरिकाले केवल तीमध्ये ६०,००० मात्र स्विकार गर्नेछ भन्ने केही छैन | उसले पुनर्बास गर्ने आफ्नो क्षमताका बारेमा कुनै जानकारी दिएको छैन |
काठमाडौँमा पत्रकार सम्मेलन गर्दै डिपुटी कमिसनर (बीचमा) साथमा अरु अधिकारीहरु
उनको भनाइअनुसार यदि शरणार्थीहरु इच्छुक भए लगभग सबैलाई पुनर्बसित गर्न सम्भव छ | उनले शरणार्थीलाई स्थानीय रुपमा नेपालमै व्यवस्थापन गर्ने सम्भावना नरहेको बताए |
“अहिलेसम्म यस सम्बन्धमा नेपाल सरकारसंग कुनै छलफल भएको छैन | तथापि हामी तीनैवटा विकल्पहरुलाई उतिकै सम्मान गर्छौं |”, अलेक्सान्डरले काठमाडौँमा पत्रकारहरुसंग भने |
उनले सुचारु तेश्रो देश पुनर्बास प्रक्रियालाई लिएर आफू सन्तुष्ट रहेको पनि उजागर गरे |
यसैबीच शरणार्थीको स्वेदेश फिर्तीका सम्बन्धमा डिपुटी कमिसनरले युएनएचसीआरले सदा शरनार्थीहरु ससम्मान स्वदेश फर्कून् भन्ने चाहेको र सधैं उनीहरुको चाहनाको सम्मान गर्ने बताए |
पत्रकारहरुको जिज्ञासाको जवाफमा उनले आफ्नो कार्यालयले झापा र मोरंगका स्थानीय बासिन्दाको बढ्दो मागलाई सम्बोधन गर्न छिट्टै समुदाय केन्द्रित विकास कार्यक्रम सुरु गर्ने बताए |
अहिलेसम्ममा युएनएचसीआरले विभिन्न आठ देशमा गरी जम्मा ६५,१९४ जना शरणार्थीहरुलाई पुनर्बास गराइसकेको छ जसमा अमेरिकाले मात्र ५४,७३१ जनालाई बासस्थान प्रदान गरेकोछ |
त्यसै गरी मे ३१ को तथ्यांकका अनुसार अष्ट्रेलियामा ३,४७६, क्यानाडामा ४,६६३, डेनमार्कमा ६१७, नेदरल्याण्डमा ३२४, नर्वेमा ५०७, न्यूजिल्याण्डमा ६५२ र बेलायतमा २२४ जना पुनर्बासित भइरहेका छन् |
अलेक्सान्डर आफ्नो चार दिने औपचारिक नेपाल भ्रमणको क्रममा मंगलबारदेखि नेपालमा थिए | नेपालमा रहंदा उनले उप-प्रधान तथा गृहमन्त्रि विजयकुमार गच्छदार साथै झापाका जिल्ला अधिकारीहरुसमेत भेट-वार्ता गरेका थिए |
The Deputy High Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), T. Alexander, has said that the United States has not announced the cap for accepting the Bhutanese refugees from Nepal.
Deputy High Commissioner (middle) with other officials at the press meet in Kathmandu/BNS : Vidhyapati Mishra
He said so while addressing a media briefing organized the UNHCR Nepal here in Kathmandu, Friday.
“This year the UNHCR will resettled some 15,000 Bhutanese refugees,” he said. “It is not that the US will just absorb 60,000 of them. It has not accounted the cap it will accept for resettlement.”
According to his statement, if refugees are willing, it is possible to resettle almost all. He also ruled out possibility of local integration in Nepal.
“So far no negotiation has been made in this regard with the Government of Nepal. However, we equally respect all the three options (repartition, resettlement and local integration),” Alexander told mediapersons in Kathmandu today.
He also mentioned that he was impressed with the ongoing third country resettlement, claiming his visits to two Bhutanese refugee camps and a Tibetan reception center were impressive and useful.
Meanwhile, the UNHCR has mentioned that it has been facilitating Tibetan refugees in using Nepali soil as their transit place before they take refuge in India.
As regards to repatriation, the Deputy Commissioner mentioned that the UNHCR has always wanted the Bhutanese refugees to return home with dignity and honor, and would continue to respect their (refugees’) will.
Responding to media queries, he also said that his office would very soon start Community Based Development Programs to address the mounting demands of locals of the host communities of Jhapa and Morang districts.
Having resettled 65,194 refugees in various eight resettlement countries already, the UHNCR stated that the US has absorbed 54,731 individuals.
Likewise, number of resettled exiled Bhutanese in other countries included Australia (3,476), Canada (4,663), Denmark (617), the Netherlands (324), Norway (507), New Zealand (652) and the United Kingdom (224) as of May 31.
Alexander was in Nepal since Tuesday for his four-day official visit to Nepal. While in Nepal, he also called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bijaya Kumar Gachchadhar, and district officials of Jhapa.
