1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

Bhutanese youth and also open up opportunities for training and skills in a wide
range of jobs.
The Councillor submitted that, as has been the consideration of the government,
it would be highly appreciated if Bhutanese could be given as many
opportunities as possible to go abroad after receiving training. These days some
young people, go abroad when they cannot get a job in the government. When
they return to Bhutan after a few years they are not only able to meet their own
needs but are also able to assist their parents and families in times of need.
Similarly if more Bhutanese could go abroad to work it would be beneficial.
The Home Minister clarified that when the announcement was made about the
revision of wage rate for the National Workforce it was made clear that it was
for adherence by the Government agencies and to be limited to government
activities only. It was felt that it would be better if the wage rate in the private
sector were determined by the private sector itself because if the demand for
labour were high, workers would be paid much higher wages. Furthermore, the
pony and porter rates should also be followed in the same manner. The revised
rates i.e. Nu. 200 per day per pack pony and Nu.300 per day per riding pony
should only be applicable to the government staff on official tour and
transportation of books and other items to schools in the interior areas since
such activities are purely government’s tasks. It would be better to leave it to
the private sector to determine the rates they would apply.
In response, the BCCI representative submitted that as pointed out by the Home
Minister there were no problems in implementing a non-uniform wage rate
where it concerns residential building constructions and such completely private
activities. There are also no problems in cases where the private parties take up
competitive contract work for the government activities and the works have
already been estimated and budgeted for. However, problems arise when certain
additional works have to be taken up which are not specified in the contract and
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