Kuensel Newspaper

Umbrella agency for engineers

Rumblings from some of those to be affected

National Building Authority of Bhutan 19 March, 2010 - The works and human settlement ministry (MoWHS) is proposing to place all civil engineers under a single semi autonomous authority, which would be called the national building authority of Bhutan (NBAB).

Keeping ahead of the game

Education ministry works on first teacher requirement projection

Teacher Shortage 19 March, 2010 - The education ministry, which has been grappling with teacher shortage for years, has begun working on its first precise projection on teacher requirements in the country.

Hindu ceremony held in Damphu

The seven-day Shri Mudh Bhagwat Puran ceremony organised by the Hindu Dharma Foundation of Bhutan began in Damphu yesterday.

19 March, 2010 - It is the first biggest Hindu religious ceremony, the Shri Mudh Bhagwat Puran, organised by Hindu dharma foundation of Bhutan, which drew some 1,500 people to the otherwise restful Hindu-Buddhist temple in Damphu.

The ceremony is quite different in that it begins with yoga classes in the morning and cultural programmes in the evening.

First steps to preferential treatment

Bhutan-Nepal Trade Relations 19 March, 2010 - Bhutan and Nepal have agreed to work towards a preferential trade agreement as the first step in formalising trade between the two Himalayan countries.

This will involve drawing up a list of export products by both countries that will enjoy preference in terms of reduced export duty.

Specialist service from Haa

IMTRAT Hospital, Thimphu 19 March, 2010 - A paediatrician, gynaecologist and a surgeon from the Haa IMTRAT hospital will be coming to Thimphu at least once a month to render additional medical services to Thimphu residents.

The Thimphu IMTRAT hospital, which provides services to at least 100 people daily, has a medical specialist, dentist and a medical officer at present.

Consumer protection

19 March, 2010 - A giant banner at the entrance of Norzin lam greets those entering the capital city indicating that Bhutan has joined the world in observing the World Consumer Rights Day on March 15.

Paro�s crime rate soars

19 March, 2010 - With Paro town a mere 45 minutes away from Thimphu, it�s no surprise that it has been experiencing a spillover of crime from the capital city.

Besides a rise in motor vehicle accidents and offenses, and auto stripping and car vandalism, the most significant increase has been in violence. According to police statistics, cases of violence doubled to 45 cases last year, compared to 23 in 2008. Statistics on violent cases reported for this year were unavailable.

NRDCL to stick to stones

Focus on stone quarries in the face of growing shortage

National Resource Development Corporation 19 March, 2010 - Faced with increasing shortage of stones for houses, roads and hydro projects the national resource development corporation (NRDC) has decided to focus on stone quarries.

Bhutan currently is importing stone from India for some of its road and other projects.

Picture Story

19 March, 2010 - The prime minister, Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley, cabinet ministers and senior government officials attend a cultural programme organised by the embassy of Bangladesh to observe the 90th birth anniversary of Bangladesh�s father of the nation at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts on March 17.

Philanthropist funds forestry studies

A portrait by VAST depicting SAF founder Madanjeet Singh�s vision to unite South Asia through education

Madanjeet Singh Centre 18 March, 2010 - UNESCO goodwill ambassador and the founder of South Asia foundation (SAF), Madanjeet Singh, has committed to donate USD 1 million to help start a centre for South Asia forestry studies in Bhutan.