Good Governance

Good Governance — No Comments
04
Jan 13

Ataxia de democracy

The Bhutanese society is increasingly getting use to the idea of having members from the media present at important discussions. Often we hear the complaint that not enough coverage is being accorded to concerns and discussions from districts (MDA,2010) and understandably so, news media is a very important actor in a democracy. At a time when more want coverage, to want less is definitely a notable change.

Reading news from kuensel on the news media being left out from discussions during this year’s annual education conference appears to be the case and a cause for concern for those who believe in transparency as a critical element of good governance and the freedom of press. The shift from the news media being allowed to be present during discussions to this drastic measure of not allowing them to be present calls for a deeper level of thinking.

The reasons cited for such a action was earlier experiences of the ministry with the news media of mis-interpreting, mis-quoting and covering the conferences rather negatively (as perceived by the ministry). Another reason cited in the article was also that the presence of news media making discussions difficult. I read it as creating discomfort in discussing issues openly. Looking at these concerns in isolation perhaps one may agree that until the news media learn to do a more professional job, no chances be taken. But, as is the case in society, nothing is as simple as that. We will make mistakes and we will need to learn from them.

The Government initiated ‘meet-the-press’ platform and the Parliament conducts its proceedings openly, all advocating transparency. Interestingly the ministry of education decides to close doors at this years annual conference. Is there a question of disagreement on transparency within the Government? Citing these reasons alone can not justify being refused presence, not unless the discussions concern national security and other similar concerns. Besides claims of similar experiences have also been made by members of the Government and also Parliament but it continues as it has. Transparency allows for questioning, criticizing and engaging which will allow us to learn and move forward. As stated the news media would be given access to information after the closing of the conference. True, but would all of the contributions from participants be captured? Closing out the news media from discussions is both symbolic and interpretive of extreme apprehensions, but will it be productive? Is this the best way to move forward? Will others follow suit with similar excuses?

I believe we must promote transparency to the extend it benefits the public. Closing doors to the news media that have always been included for annual conference discussions does not bode well with our desire to promote deepening of democracy and more specifically transparency.

General / Good Governance — 3 Comments
22
Jun 12

May soon have more private colleges

A short update on a follow-up question on the my last question from the 7th session of Parliament on the need to set up more private colleges.

The Honorable Education Minister responded to my question with a date this time around, July 12, 2012 earlier today during Question Hour in the National Council. A committee, which will approve the establishment of private colleges in Bhutan under the Ministry may finally be ready to allow other private colleges to be set up in Bhutan in addition to RTC. The three proposals that have been shuttling between the Ministry and the promoters have also re-submitted their expressions of interest with proposals. We may finally see a decision by the committee, this is wonderful news.

I had submitted the same question during the 7th session but did not find a satisfying response and therefore, had called the attention of the Government to institute a transparent and fair protocol for allowing establishment of private colleges, a necessity and important to expedite the process. Today’s response with this date is positive development which will allow many young Bhutanese men and women to study in Bhutan without having to travel out of the country which becomes expensive and also a cumbersome and worrying journey for the family members as well. This will also allow for some quality regulation which has become a concern of late. The Bhutanese private sector can also take part in this important aspect of our development and contribute by providing options which today remains very limited to studying in the country other than public institutions and RTC. I hope when the date comes, more private colleges will be approved and can begin setting up institutions with support from the Government that is being discussed to be accorded to the Education City Project, it only makes sense that our own gets it if not more.

Good Governance — 3 Comments
23
May 12

The RTI debate in Bhutan: premature?

Power point presentation on RTI to the NC by Sangay Khandu

Is the RTI debate too soon for Bhutan, that is if we really ever had a debate on it.

Many may probably say yes but there are others who feel, it is as good a time as any to debate it. While not many would refute it’s importance in democratizing governance, the concern really for many with whom I have spoken or interacted with, who have expressed reservations, seem to be one revolving around unpreparedness as a society. As I have already shared my thoughts on it several times, I will like to make an attempt at making a short opinion once again.

It has been my experience through these four years in office that every parliamentary session and for that matter, almost each plenary of the National Council sitting, issues raised and discussed ranged from delayed land compensation to poor public service delivery, to inaccessibility to certain information or absence of good and meaningful information, from poor accountability to non-uniform application of laws and rules and found a resounding consensus that our good governance initiatives needed strengthening. Interactions in public too found overlap with many of these issues, all pin-pointing towards seeking and demanding better accountability. I do not find any disagreement here, or atleast that’s how I feel. That is one of the primary reasons for my proposal for a debate in the National Council on RTI.

A view, perhaps of which a debate is become even more important is that, is it, as a society too early for Bhutan to debate RTI or consider enacting a RTI legislation? I believe this is a very important question put forth for consideration. After all, the RTI law has to be driven  by us Bhutanese for it to really effect change, it will not, like many other laws, act on its own. So are we ready?

Is there a demand? Will RTI become just another law?

Many issues concerning transparency and accountability as I read it, is indicative of the need for RTI. For further understanding, a consultative process is due and could be undertaken to further enrich the debate if we were to agree on a debate. But news of reports with potential to bring out the truth to start an honest discussion not coming out in public, I would think, without grassroots calling for it, could be a logical demand for more transparency. This is one of the primary reasons on which I base the need for such a debate to happen. Unlike laws which need agencies to come out and act, RTI will see the public come forth and use the law and by public I mean individuals, groups of individuals and the news media. It will drive the process forward and seek implementation in the process. So with greater awareness of the law that would begin with the initiation of the debate and other consistent efforts, it may see progressive usage with an increasing civic engagement, bringing people into more contact with decisions. This I feel also is an important component of our greater aim of becoming a vibrant democracy and it is in our interest to cultivate and further a culture of democracy.

No additional process in creating information for RTI

As far as information is concerned, each time a decision is made affecting lives, an important piece of information is created and stored somewhere even today without RTI. So to produce information for seekers as a result of RTI would not result in the creation of any new information. It has simply to do with providing it to the public.

 Will seats of power like RTI?

Generally the answer is quite the obvious.

I believe we are ready for this important debate. Some may think its a bit too early and others may strongly believe it is time but I think without a debate, we can never really know if we are here. A parliamentary debate is ideal but a public debate, to see what we think of it as a society is critical too. As parliament considers it, there is nothing to hold back a debate in public on this important aspect of good governance. This is not to indicate a retiring effort but to encourage more engagement so that in the end, more Bhutanese become part of this on-going consideration.

Good Governance / Legislation — 10 Comments
16
Mar 12

Having a right and using a right is quite different – Proposed RTI Bill

Earlier today I submitted the draft bill on Right to Information to the Honorable Chairperson of the National Council with the objective of fulfilling a constitutional provision articulated under article 7 which states right to information as a fundamental right of every Bhutanese citizen. While the constitution provides for such a right, a legislation to ensure such a right prevails, as with many other laws that flow from constitutional provisions, is only a natural progression of processes.

Secondly, in adherence to our developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness where good governance cross cuts the three other pillars, it will contribute greatly in the enhancement of transparency and accountability. In the end, it will contribute in creating a democratic culture of seeking accountability on the part of both the governing and the governed, to be informed and take part in decision making process to take the country forward.

Thirdly, through this legislation I hope it brings change to the way we document and manage information. These information tell us about our society and how we function Continue reading →

Good Governance — 3 Comments
08
Mar 12

Perspective on Right to Information & Bhutan: working towards a vibrant democracy [part 2]

[..in continuation to part 1]

The supply side

Proactive reporting by the Royal Government

The Royal Government publishes and shares annual reports of all its agencies in addition to the state of the nation address by the Honorable Prime Minister to the Parliament broadcast live on television and radio. Additionally, constitutional bodies like the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Royal Audit Authority too publish annual reports. These reports generally contain information related to structure, work, expenditure and plans. Reports are also made available on the respective websites for anyone to view and download. Information on tenders, job vacancies are also made public.

Interaction with the news media Continue reading →

Good Governance — 2 Comments
05
Mar 12

Perspective on Bhutan & Right to Information: Working towards a vibrant democracy [part 1]

Background

The Bhutanese Constitution represents the culimination of decades of reform. On July 18, 2008 in the presence of His Majesty the King and His Majesty the Fourth King, Members of the 1st Parliament under the Democratic Constitutional Monarchy appended their signatures and thereby, adopted the Bhutanese constitution.

The reforms captured in history in the few but critical changes initiated by our benevolent third King, referred to with affection by all Bhutanese as the father of modern Bhutan, was to be the beginning of unraveling of a self-imposed isolation policy of the tiny himalyan kingdom Continue reading →

Good Governance — No Comments
17
Jan 12

Linking the Civil Service and Service Delivery

This essay tries to explain the importance of managing performance in the public service in order to fix individual responsibility and accountability in the delivery of public services. Although institutional accountability has come to the centre stage of discussion on fixing accountability today, it is imperative that we understand and accept that it is the aggregation of individual accountability that arises to institutional level of accountability.

The Bhutanese civil service is all too familiar with words like meritocracy and professionalism and it is understandable. They have come to the fore especially since the introduction of the position classification system (PCS) Continue reading →

Good Governance — No Comments
12
Jun 11

NC DID caution ECB’s compliance for LG Elections

ECB’s press release on LG Elections

 

The 1st Local Government Elections since the National Elections has been in the spotlight for many reasons. A more elaborate appearance in main stream media as well as other media continues to be ‘the waiver’ (unilaterally by the Election Commission of Bhutan) against existing provisions of requiring it as a prerequisite for aspiring contestants. This in many ways was seen by many as breaching provisions of the law.

The National Council as part of Parliament as well as a House of Review approached and communicated ‘reservations’ against the decision by the Election Commission several times as being ultra vires. Continue reading →

Good Governance / Legislation — No Comments
15
Jul 10

1st parliament completes half it’s term

The concluding ceremony of the 5th session of parliament was graced by the Druk Gyalpo. 3 members submitted Ka drin Ga tsor on behalf of the parliament, followed by a high tea in the courtyard and a photograph session with the Druk Gyalpo. The conclusion of the 5th session of parliament marks the completion of half it’s term. Out of 10 parliamentary sessions, 5 sessions have been completed. There will be 5 more sessions (exclusing special sessions) where the 1st Parliament will continue to enact and review policies and laws. It is also a time for reflection into the past, and understanding the present and planning for the future. Mid way through the term is a perfect opportunity to access performances. Continue reading →

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