GNH is the answer to youth problems: PM

The rapidly rising youth crime and violence in the Bhutanese towns has caused public concern in recent times. People say it is one of the biggest challenges of Bhutan as a GNH nation.

Asked how the government would reconcile the increasing youth crimes and GNH at the 18th Meet the Press yesterday, Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley said the answer lies in GNH.

He said that it is when there is no compassion in the society, when the communities break down and family structures collapse that all maladies of society occur.

In the past few weeks, reports of murder, rape, theft and suicides have been in the media regularly. This, the prime minister said, in itself is a clear signal to the society of the importance Bhutan should give to the pursuit of GNH.

Lyonchhen said it is when development and changes in the society is not inclusive and they fail to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people that all kinds of crimes plague a society.

He said the government must do more to promote GNH and the understanding of it, both in terms of public policies, revitalizing the communities and strengthening the diverse culture in order that people can understand the importance and purpose of life.

Introduction of educating for GNH programme in the education system, Lyonchhen said, is aimed at that.

However, some people BO talked to said Bhutan’s GNH as a development philosophy has failed to curb youth problems on the ground. A private sector employee in Thimphu said unless something big is done on the ground, GNH will continue to miss the ground realities.

Lyonchhen said youth problems are faced increasingly by all societies in the world, more so in other societies. That is why, leaders the world over are inspired by Bhutan’s GNH, which aspires for holistic development.

However, Bhutan may be just beginning to face youth problems. The current generation of the Bhutanese is facing changes in society at an unprecedented rate, fueled by the ever increasing economic liberalisation and modernisation that brings with it an influx of different cultures and trends.

By 2030, Bhutan’s population between the ages of 20 and 45 is expected to increase to about 50.5 percent. And if the current rate of rural-urban migration continues, no less than 400,000 Bhutanese will live in urban areas by 2017.

Most youth migrate to urban centres in the hope of finding more rewarding and less labourious jobs. The high rate of rural-urban migration, if not addressed promptly with appropriate policies, is expected to worsen the urban youth unemployment situation, which will in turn fuel youth violence and crime.

By Jigme Wangchuk

6 Responses to “GNH is the answer to youth problems: PM”

1. Sangay Tshering says:

   November 27, 2011 at 8:49 pm

   hi

   Reply
2. Sangay Tshering says:

   November 27, 2011 at 9:46 pm

   With Due Respect, one has to understand the psychology of youth to find answers to the real cause of such dis-balance of GNH. Every child from birth is brought up with lots of assured happiness until end by our parents and elderly. Yes, most of them get that but not all…those who are left out have no choice but to live with incompleteness. the problem is not with whoever is left out but problem is why they are left out? thus, here is when government must stand tall, ready to provide that help they needed. creating job opportunity is answer to this … Training youth, giving hopes through media, diversifying opportunities and encouraging other aspect of job is what the government should provide. things needs to get loosen up and good change is what nation should initiate. Restriction and Conservative thought is what our nation believe as tool of success but it only brings revolution. Happiness of a nation is achieved when the youth is happy rest falls in place. The youth know how things work all around the world, the human tendency of replicating our inspiration is derive within..Government must built home with all types of block with architectural skills of putting things picture perfect yet keeping it in that it should last forever. Education is not only answer to this issue but systematic alteration in best of peoples perception.

   Reply
3. “Tick tock KABOOM” - Tshering Tobgay’s Blog says:

   November 30, 2011 at 4:43 pm

   [...] crime is a growing problem in our kingdom. And according to the prime minister, “the answer lies in [...]

   Reply
4. Prakash says:

   December 1, 2011 at 12:00 pm

   Government must look at the grassroot level. Where children are there without parents (who had died or divorced) and children left alone. If these children are not given any care then they landup becoming burden to society. The CRC and NCWC has been failing to reach the ground level. Especially in rural areas. Who later migrate to urban places.

   Reply
5. Paro Penlop says:

   December 2, 2011 at 9:22 am

   Here i think is, the problem mainly arises due to the lack of Job.And it mainly shows that our country is Developing that’s why our youth they try to act such a mischievous things………

   Reply
6. thinley says:

   April 24, 2012 at 8:18 am

   may be GNH can influence the youth thoase who can think in positve way and it will be useless to youth who cannot decide for their life.

   Reply