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

In a very short time, the concerns for limited availability of carpenters, masons,
painters, wood carvers and iconographers required in projects for construction
of Taktshang Lhakhang, renovation of Tashichho Dzong, Punakha Dzong, Talo
Dzong, Gangtey Lhakhang, Trongsa Dzong, Dramitse Dzong, Gomphu Kora
Lhakhang and Yongla Gonpa Lhakhang have been overcome. The Hon’ble
Minister expressed his hope that school graduates would also give consideration
to Zorig Chusum for their professional careers.
Third, there are currently about 60,000 to 68,000 expatriate workers in the
country. The presence of such a large number of non-Bhutanese pose great
threat to the security and independence of the country, and also endanger the
peace and prosperity of the people. The Ngolop problem has also arisen as a
result of many non-Bhutanese Nepalese entering the country in the past. This
has given lots of lessons and experiences. The Hon’ble Minister expressed hope
that the increases in wage and allowances would encourage many Bhutanese
people to take up jobs and professions that are currently occupied by non-
Bhutanese.
As a result of wage increases for pack and riding pony, the horse owners had to
compete for transportation of goods and materials for different Ministries and
Departments during the mid-term review of the 8 th Five-Year plan of Gasa
Dzongkhag. It is important to promote such new initiatives since transportation
of goods and materials to remote areas inaccessible by motor roads will enhance
distribution of development services.
Finally, the Hon’ble Minister said that towards the beginning of the year His
Majesty has greatly increased the sitting fees, travel and daily allowances of the
members of the DYT including claims for pack and riding ponies. His Majesty
has commanded this increases by considering the increasing roles and
responsibilities of the members of DYT. It has become very important for the
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