Northeast India’s Only English and Hindi Satellite News Channel

Bhutan votes today as economic crisis hits ‘national happiness’

First Published: 9th January, 2024 8:20 IST

Both parties, the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and People's Democratic Party (PDP) are committed to a constitutionally enshrined philosophy of government that measures its success by the "happiness and well-being

Bhutan is conducting general elections on Tuesday amid significant economic challenges, raising questions about the country’s longstanding commitment to prioritize “Gross National Happiness” over economic growth, ANI reported citing Al Jazeera.
Both parties, the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are committed to a constitutionally enshrined philosophy of government that measures its success by the “happiness and well-being of the people.”
Despite its size, comparable to Switzerland, Bhutan is witnessing some voters trekking for days to participate in the elections.
The younger generation of the country is struggling with chronic unemployment and a brain drain from migration abroad, according to Al Jazeera.
Bhutan’s youth unemployment rate stands at 29 per cent, as per the World Bank, while economic growth has sputtered along at an average of 1.7 per cent over the past five years.
Following the rise in unemployment, young citizens have left in record numbers, looking for better financial and educational opportunities abroad since the last elections, with Australia as the top destination.
According to a local news report, nearly 15,000 Bhutanese were issued visas there in one year, which is more than the preceding six years combined and almost 2 per cent of the country’s population.
Reportedly, the issue of mass exodus is central for both parties contesting the polls, the ANI report mentioned referring to the Al Jazeera.
Career civil servant Pema Chewang of the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) said that the country was losing the “cream of the nation.”.
“If this trend continues, we might be confronted with a situation of empty villages and a deserted nation,” the 56-year-old added.
His opponent, former prime minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Tshering Tobgay, 58, raised the concern of Bhutan’s “unprecedented economic challenges and mass exodus.”
His party’s manifesto cited that the government statistics showed that one in every eight people is “struggling to meet their basic needs for food” and other necessities.
Moreover, tourism, a small share of Bhutan’s economy but a key earner of foreign currency, has yet to recover from the disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic. (ANI)

COMMENTS

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WE RECOMMEND

Banner
Why is China Importing Donkeys from Pakistan?

Pakistan, with an estimated over 4 crore donkeys making it the third largest donkey population in the world has become a key supplier for China.

10th November 2024
Banner
US President-elect Trump forms committee ahead of January 2025 inauguration

"The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee will honour this magnificent victory in a celebration of the American People and our nation," said Trump.

10th November 2024
Banner
“Our Relationship With India is Much Expanded From What it Was”: US Defence Secy Lloyd Austin

He was recounting the progress achieved by the Defense Department during his four-year tenure as the Pentagon's top official.

09th November 2024
Banner
US Charges Iranian Citizen for Allegedly Tasked to Plot Trump Killing Pre-lection

Ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections, a reported gunfire incident disrupted former President Donald Trump's rally in Butler.

09th November 2024
Banner
Canada blocks Australia Today outlet, hours after coverage of EAM Jaishankar’s presser in Canberra: MEA

Jaiswal also spoke on Jaishankar's visit to Australia and stated that a while ago he was speaking to the business community and CEOs.

07th November 2024