COUNTRY BACKGROUND - Gross National Happiness Commission

Improvements to the School of Traditional Arts Improvements to the School of Traditional Arts
Culture and Religion
10.24 The curriculum for School of Traditional Arts includes painting, sculpture, xylography, carving, casting,
gold plating, embroidery and appliques. Skills that have been actually taught are painting, carving and sculpture.
Although the School of Traditional Arts in Thimphu was established long ago, its facilities for both the students and
teachers have deteriorated due to lack of funds. This has led to low morale among the students and a very poor
recruitment record. The School building will be rebuilt and re-equipped and the teaching capabilities of the staff
will be enhanced. A Fine Arts Diploma will be offered by the School following the improvements.
National Museum ParoNational Museum Paro
10.25 In order to have the capability to advise and undertake conservation work and restoration of art objects, the
National Museum will expand its conservation Laboratory and train staff in conservation and restoration
techniques. Museum staff will also be enable to improve their skills in display and exhibition of the collection.
Construction of a Theatre/Town Hall,Thimphu Construction of a Theatre/Town Hall,Thimphu
10.26 Although Thimphu city has more than 40,000-50,000 people, it has neither a drama hall nor a community
meeting hall. It is not possible to stage drama productions or concerts. A Theatre and Town Hall will be constructed
in the 7FYP.
Literary Survey Literary Survey
10.27 A nationwide survey on literary sources will be carried with the aim of locating important documents. It
will be an important step in ensuring the survival of such documents. The task will be coordinated by National
Library. A local survey team will locate and evaluate the documents covering about 3-5 dzongkhags a year. The
documents will be assessed and important ones will be computerised as far as possible. The National Library will
also establish a fumigation chamber.
Documentation and Recording Documentation and Recording
10.28 The Division for Cultural Properties will continue to undertake the recording of antiques in about 400
temples and monasteries. The Division will be equipped to make photographic records of antiques in 200 temples
for the purpose of identification and recovery of the antiques should they be lost or stolen.
Restoration and Renovation of MonasteriesRestoration and Renovation of Monasteries
10.29 The restoration of wall paintings in Tongsa dzong will be completed in the 7th Plan. Subsidies will be
provided on a case by case basis for the renovation of monasteries, chortens, dzongs, temples etc of architectural
and historical importance.
Dzongkhag Development Commission ProgrammesDzongkhag Development Commission Programmes
10.30 The Dzongkhag Development Commission will continue to produce dzongkha textbooks from pre-primary
to degree level, including manuals. The Commission will also produce a Dzongkhag-English Dictionary,
Dzongkha-English-Nepali Dictionary and braille textbooks from pre-primary to Class X level for the blind
students. A Dzongkha Linguistic Society will be established to promote Dzongkha as well as the important dialects.
Research and training related to Dzongkha will be continued.
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