CDG approval shocks NC
17 April 2009
The National Council expressed shock at an executive order from the Finance Minister approving constituency development grant to the National Assembly members. The order was issued with the rules and implementation of the grant on April 3.
Namgye Penjore, the National Council (NC) Chairperson, said that constituency development grant rules circulated among the members of the National Assembly (NA) for implementation was news for him. “I am seeing the paper in your hand and it’s shocking,” he said.
The executive order stated that the Constituency Development Grant (CDG) Rules had been finalised and circulated for implementation by the members of the National Assembly (NA) and relevant agencies.
| The NC, during its last session, had argued that CDG was unconstitutional. NC member Karma Yezer Raydi said the Council had referred the matter officially to His Majesty the King after the second session. “I assume that they (NA members) have received the order from His Majesty,” he said.
The NC Chairperson said, “I stand by the decision the Council took,” adding that, if the government’s decision was legal and constitutional, the Council was always there for support and not to oppose.
According to the NC, CDG is unconstitutional because it is an encroachment into the executive arm of the government. The NC specifies the role of the MPs as spelt out in Article 10 Section 2 of the constitution which states, “Parliament shall ensure that the Government safeguards the interests of the nation and fulfill the aspirations of the people through public review of policies and issues, Bills and other legislation, and scrutiny of State functions”.
Further, Article 20 Section 5 says that planning and coordinating government policies and ensuring their implementation is a function of the executive that is headed by the Lhengye Zhungtshog and supported by the civil administration.
The Council also argues that CDG undermines the policy of decentralisation as per Article 22 Section 1 of the constitution. It states, “Power and authority shall be decentralised and devolved to elected Local Governments to facilitate the direct participation of the people in the development and management of their own social, economic and environmental well-being.”
The Council members say that providing CDG would become an exclusive reserve for the wealthy through the influence of money power to win elections, thereby hampering free and fair elections.
The procedure of implementation of projects under the grant, however, says that the projects will require to be endorsed by the MPs to ensure that the Assembly members have control over the actual utilisation of the grant.
On the other hand, the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa manifesto on strengthening decentralisation states that the role of MPs is not to replace gups or the chairmen of Dzongkhag Tshogdus. It reads, “Unless this is clear in our minds, we are convinced that the policy of decentralisation and with it, the essence of true democracy, will fall victim to the over eagerness of the parties and the parliamentarians to directly serve their voters.”
It says that this could lead to centralisation or actual reversal of the democratic process and politicisation of local governments which would be in contravention of the letter and spirit of the constitution.
The Finance Minister, Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu, said CDG had been finalised during the 35th session of the Lhengye Zhungtshog.
“The ministry implemented what was approved by the National Assembly. We could not do it earlier as we were formulating the rules and regulations,” he said, adding that the CDG budget was part of the annual budget presented to the Assembly.
Now on, annually, Nu 2 million will be at the disposal of all NA members establishing a basis for direct and regular interaction between them and their constituents.
Meanwhile, members of the NA have already started planning development activities under the grant. Kinley Dorji, the Goenkhamay-Lunana MP, said he would visit his constituency before planning anything on the grant. “Decisions should come from the people,” he said.
Regarding the needs of his constituency, he said Lunana community needed an all-season mule track and Khamay Gewog needed an organic product market network as it is the only dzongkhag where organic farming is done.
Karma Lhamo, the Mongar MP, who had just returned from her constituency visit, said she discussed the use of CDG with the people. The people in her constituency desired cooperatives and mass production of cash crops. “They want to enhance mass production of walnut and oranges,” she said. She is planning another visit to her constituency to discuss further on how to spend the CDG.
By Pushkar Chhetri
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Loading ...Zakar for Friday July 30 2010
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What is the present parlaiment meet, i mean the no of session? DPT should not take the advantage of something that is passed some years ago which is not compaitable to the present law or policy. It really will be matter of concern for the upcoming or struggling party to work in this coming election. Moreover nobody should take advantage of such plolicy with out proper consensus of NC.
Our NC should stand strong to this matter and rebuke the present party government to behave accordingly………!!!!!!!!!!!!
we public are with you NC you are doing great job in raising matter as this….
this is horrible if i g with what this article has to say. what’s happening?
This DPT is selfish, stupid and dictatorial. Though these people have gained from this democarcy , they fail to understand its true meaning. First, it was fight for their befenits (patangs and cars and pays). Second it was for the so called porsh houses for themselves. Third, it was the medical expenses for private students when many betteer deserving studenst are left out. Fourth, it is the 2 million for each MP to consolidate their power. These kinds pf attitudes and plans will only make Nepal out of Bhutan.
Today as youth and citizen of Bhutan i have lost faith in Constitution thats highly respected once upon time.I would say DPT responsible for that, We voted that u will respect our trust and constitution but if u can gain political milage u are even violating the constitution.i am sad worried ,that how will the future citizen will have respect on on constution.
DPT have betrayed us… !
what is the opinion of the Opposition Party?? Were they consulted too? what are their views on it??
giving CDG to MPs is like more money going to DPT. this way the innocent villagers will think that the MP is doing whatever he does with the CDG from his own pocket. This is some way campaigning for 2013. because PDP just has two members and a little sum of money will go to them while the DPT MPs will have the bigger share…
On what grounds has CDG been approved? Its high time that Bhutanese people should wake up and voice their opinions.
This is unfair and against the constitution. Instead of thinking “we cannot do anything, our opinions do not matter,” people should speak out openly. It is against the constitution. Or is it an ingenious way of DPT to get more votes for their next term. Our politicians can put even Indian politicians to shame. What good is democracy if people are unhappy and the Government pretends to be deaf.
DPT should stand for Deceiving People’s Trust. This should be their new motto. If Bhutanese people are wise, they wont vote for this government a second time.