Ministers criticised for ‘regionalism’
The initiatives of the four cabinet ministers from the eastern districts to form a separate committee aiming to stimulate development in the eastern districts receives fierce criticism from the social media users in Bhutan.
Agriculture minister Yeshey Dorji, education minister Mingbo Dukpa, economic affairs minister Norbu Wangchuk and works and human settlement minister Dorji Choden announced the formation of the committee this week.
The ministers said they felt the need for a committee as eastern districts are trailing behind in terms of economic growth.
One Facebook user said, government in the form of cabinet is already a committee entrusted to serve the nation. There is no need for any other committee.
Another user, Dargo Tashi said, ‘We do not need any more political, geographical and racial divisions in the country. Bhutan will always be best as ‘One Nation, One People’. Sonam Yonten said, ‘Good initiative but quite afraid to learn that it may lead to regional discrimination’.
The public fears such move will create regionalism and racial division, some even pointing out to the 1990 problem being imminent again.
The four ministers from the east are pushing the widening of East-west Highway, renovation of Yongphula Domestic Airport and upgrading educational institution.
It is Bhutanese policy of development that were more populated area kept undeveloped which fear that developed people can go against to the government.