KUENSEL

THAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED

W E D N E S D AY M AY 1 6 , 2 0 1 2 N u 5

GoI Line Of Credit

Delegation asked to justify increase in demand

Nidup GYelTSheN
The Bhutanese delegation that was in New Delhi, India, last week to negotiate increasing the limit of Indian Rupee borrowings from the government of India has been asked to provide more information to justify the need. hanced from INR 3B to INR 6B. Later, with the rupee shortage seeing no signs of cooling down, it was decided that an additional INR 3B be requested. This would take the borrowing limit to INR 10B from the government of India standby credit facility, which levies an interest of five percent. Today, the limit is INR 3B, which was exhausted many months ago. The limit on borrowings from the State Bank of India overdraft facility is INR 10B at a 10 percent interest. If the deal comes through, Bhutan will be able to borrow up to INR 20B from both lines of credit. Today, borrowings from the two lines of credit have reached INR 12B; INR 3B from the GoI line of credit and INR 9B from the SBI overdraft facility. The task force report states enhancing limits on INR borrowings from GoI and SBI as a short term measure to address the rupee crunch in the economy, besides currency swap arrangements among SAARC nations.

The fallow fields at Pralang village in Tang gewog Vegetable Vendors

(Story Pg. 9)

Rupee issue last date now first week of June

SONam peldeN
Following directives from the cabinet and, in consultation with the finance ministry, the Royal Monetary Authority yesterday agreed to extend the issue of Rupee to vegetable vendors until June first week. this month. The RMA had earlier said that from May 19, it would issue INR to the Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCB), and not to vegetable vendors, to import vegetables that cannot be met from home production. After June first week, FCB will take over the imports of those vegetables and fruits that cannot be met from local production. In a week, FCB is estimated to import 76.22MT of tomato, garlic, onion, chili and assorted fruits worth Nu 2M. Bhutanese farmers today grow 31 types of vegetables in the country, show records with the horticulture divisions vegetable program, which functions out of a small office amid the lines of single storied structures. During the production season from May to October, Bhutan produces 2,400MT (100MT a week) of local vegetables worth Nu 12M. In these six months, vendors only import onion, tomato and gourds. When local vegetable production drops in the country from November to April, Bhutan imports about 5,000MT (208MT a week) of vegetables, more than twice the amount it produces during its own season. The most imported vegetables are onion, tomato, chili, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, beans and eggplants, while the most exported vegetables are cabbage, turnips, peas, beans and chilis. Pg. 2

RUPEE
Finance minister Wangdi Norbu yesterday said that the team is already working on the necessary information, and will be submitting it to the Indian government soon. The team, comprising an official each from the finance ministry and the royal monetary authority returned home on Sunday, May 13. Weve been asked to inform the Indian government on how and why the deficit arose, Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu said. Earlier, government officials said that the enhancement on the borrowings would come through in April. Things are positive, a source from the central bank, said. The initial agreement was that the limit be en-

COVER STORY
The central bank would however issue INR in a demand draft for all 14 wholesale vendors together, until the vegetable season begins in the country. On May 13, vegetable wholesale agents had requested the agriculture minister that the INR be issued to them until the end of

WHATS INSIDE PG. 5: Game changer for chili growers

HOME

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

Nganglam HSS

Mysterious ailment lays pupils low

While some suspect food poisoning, others feel it may be a rock spirit (lu) thats responsible
Yangchen c Rinzin, nganglam
Of the 18 students of Nganglam high school, who were admitted to the Nganglam basic health unit (BHU) on May 13 for high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, five were still being treated as of yesterday.

AOG files case against three doctors

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has filed a case in the Thimphu district court against three doctors and other health officials on charges of bribery and fraud in connection with health procurement in 2008. A court official said that the hearings would begin very soon. Kuensel sources said that the OAG, based on Anti Corruption Commissions findings, has charged three doctors, who were in the tender committee, for accepting bribe from a supplier and availing privately sponsored trips to Germany and China for inspection of non-drug equipment. It has been learnt that an Indian supplier bribed one of the accused in return for the award of supply orders. ACC investigated the trips to Germany and China by health ministry officers in 2009. It was found a Kolkatabased supplier had arranged trips to Germany and China for officials of the tender selection committee, while the companys bid was still under evaluation by the same committee.

we need to find if it (the cause of the illness) is from the hostel mess
Dr Letho BHU Nganglam

ILLNESS
Although not confirmed, Dr Letho said it could be food poisoning. An investigation team from department of public health from Thimphu arrived yesterday. The doctor said it is a seasonal sickness, but this time it was en masse, so it had become worrisome. I enquired with the sick students, and none of them said they had anything unusual from outside, doctor said. So we need to find if its from the hostel mess. The investigative team will begin their investigation today. Itll need a lot of assessment, and it might take days to find accurate information, a source said. But we cant confirm stu-

dents are suffering from food poison at this moment. The school vice-principal, Lhatu said it was around 3:30am on Sunday, when two girls, aged 16 and 17, reported suffering from severe headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, and were taken to the BHU immediately. Later at around 6pm, four others girls suffered from same symptoms. And after dinner, 12 more students came up with same symptoms, the vice principal said. The vice principal said the hospital staff rigorously checked about 27 boys and 30 girls in the

CONVOCATION
B B PRADHAN MANAGEMENT COLLEGE, KALIMPONG
Convocation of 6th batch of 89 students of BBA, BCA and B.Sc IT will be held at 9:30am on 26th May, 2012 at BMC Auditorium, Kalimpong. Students will report on 24th May, 2012 for registration Rehearsal will be held on 25th May 2012. Confirm participation before 15th May, 2012. CONTACT: BBA Students : Mr. H L Pun +91 99322 35161 BCA Students : Mr. Benoy Thakur +91 99324 80603 Administrator : +91 94344 98283 Please visit our website: bmc.ac E-mail address: bmc03.kpg@gmail.com

school on May 14, but most of them were suffering from mild headache or diarrhoea. Their situation wasnt major, and there were those suffering from other seasonal diseases, the vice-principal said. We also suspect they might have eaten something from outside, because Sunday is outing time for students, vice principal added. But the school management believes students might have got sick from a rock located near the school. The rock is believed to be a lu (where an underground serpent deity reside), and anyone who touches it could fall sick. The vice principal said, while returning from hospital on Sunday, one of the girls again fell sick, so a local khenpo (learned monk) was called to perform some prayers and rituals. The girl recovered immediately, he said. We decided to conduct more ceremonies, after the khenpo said it could be the rock thats harming students. But Nganglam Dungpa (sub division head) Nima Gyeltshen said an enquiry was done on the diet provided the day before students got sick. The students were served rice with fried cabbage and milk tea for breakfast, lunch with potato mixed cabbage and nutrella and lentil (dal), while ladyfinger and lentil was served for dinner. I also inspected the ration and the mess, dungpa said. We found there were all fresh vegetables and no expired essential food items. The mess was also found to be clean. The school has outsourced the vegetable supply, while it gets essential items like oil, cheese and milk powder from Food Corporation of Bhutan. The school has 482 students, of which 181 boys and 110 girls are hostellers, with five cooks in the mess.

Rupee issue last date ...

From Pg. 1 The amount of money Bhutan spends on imports during the lean season is Nu 83M, almost seven times higher than the worth of what it produces in its peak vegetable season. Bhutans local produce of 120MT (5MT a week) during these lean months is worth Nu 4.8M. Major vegetable sufficiency in two years Bhutan is giving itself two years to turn around its vegetable production scenario to substitute imports of major vegetables, agriculture officials said. Agriculturists estimate a budget of Nu60M in these two years to accelerate local vegetable production. We need to work, weve developed a plan and, if we can implement as planned, then maybe, by two years, were hoping to be sufficient, national vegetable program coordinator, Namgay Thinley, said. Taking the minimum international standard vegetable required per day per person of 200 grams, Bhutan is today 56 percent vegetable sufficient, based on its total local vegetable production and the number of people it feeds, including expatriate workers. Excluding the 50,000 expatriates, Bhutans self sufficiency in vegetables comes to 60 percent. When we say 60 percent, it means that the vegetable available for each of us is 139 grams per day, which is below the international requirement of 200 grams, Namgay Thinley said. But were not
15 major vegetables to be cultivated on commercial scale 1. Chilli 2. Onion 3. Tomato 4. Beans 5. Cabbage 6. Green leaves 7. Cauliflower 8. Broccoli 9. Egg plant 10. Okra 11. Peas 12. Carrot 13. Bitter gourd 14. Asparagus 15 cucumber

Courtesy: Vegetable program, Horticulture division sure how much each consumes. For Bhutan to meet the minimum 200 grams vegetable requirement, it needs to increase vegetables production by 24,000MT to its annual production of 30,595MT. If we can achieve 54,445MT of vegetables, then 200 grams will be available per person per day, he said. To be self-sufficient, Bhutan will focus on growing 15 vegetables (see box) at home that are imported in huge volumes, agriculture officials said. Work is already underway to take stock of what vegetable can be produced at what quantity from a particular dzongkhag for May and June. A preliminary estimate shows that about 19 districts can produce 4,680MT of 26 kinds of vegetables in these two months.

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

HOME

Election Coverage

The role of a reporter: To be au fait with the field

ThinleY Zangmo
It is not only essential for the reporters covering elections to understand the countrys electoral process, but also be familiar with electoral laws, know countrys election history, and understand medias role in democratic elections. On highlighting the four guiding principles for a reporter, she said it was crucial to ensure accuracy, objectivity, honesty and fairness. Though complete objectivity is impossible, with practice, reporters can develop a high degree of objectivity, she said, adding curiosity, news sense, perseverance, objectivity, skepticism and being comfortable with people were some of the essential qualities reporters should have. But the overall election system here, she said, appeared good, sound and fair. Belinda Goldsmith, originally from United Kingdom, said the fourth King had been very visionary, for seeing a need to have elections, while people had been slower to realise this was a good thing for the country. Reporters from various media houses are being groomed to cover elections in a five-day workshop that started on May 14. It is organised by Bhutan Media Institute and Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Two youth nabbed for B&E

Damchen Impex

WORKSHOP
So, Belinda Goldsmith, a trainer from Thomson Reuters Foundation, who has covered elections in about 12 countries, told Bhutanese reporters, who are gearing for the upcoming parliamentary elections. In a democratic election, a journalist is required to inform people of matters that are of public interest, give political parties and candidates the chance to get their message across, and act as a watchdog over government, she said. Belinda Goldsmith, whos worked with Reuters for about 28 years, said the media should help voters prepare

Belinda Goldsmith for the election, by providing adequate information about parties, candidates and policies they are offering, so that they could make an informed choice. The electoral management body also has a need to communicate information to voters and the parties, she said, adding media was required to cater that. Belinda Goldsmith said, while giving equal access to all parties and candidates, media should ensure the representation of views was balanced. Media should talk to the candidates and ask questions, and not just accept what they say on face value, she said.

Robbed and recovered gadgets YesheY Dema

Thimphu police caught two men aged 17 and 24 on May 13 evening, for robbing a shop off its electronic gadgets worth Nu 300,000 the same morning. The 17-year-old is a class XII student in one of the schools in Thimphu, while the 24-year-old is a graduate. a call from the emergency department, saying a man was in hospital with a deep cut on his right wrist. Police personnel were sent immediately to the hospital. An hour later, police received a call from the shop owner. We doubted something was wrong, and proceeded with our investigation, the police said. Police said the men had used a screwdriver to remove the iron rod from the window, and broke the glass to get inside the shop. The 24-year-old man is still under treatment at the Thimphu referral hospital for the cut he suffered from breaking the window. Police said they have arrested the 17-year-old student, and would arrest the 24-year-old after he recovers.

CRIME
Damchen Impex at the central plaza in Olakha was robbed off five Lenovo laptops and nine LG mobile phones around 2:30 am that morning. All stolen items were recovered from the men. They also confessed to the crime. Around 6am that morning, Thimphu police station received

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Ministry of EconoMic AffAirs Human Resource Division

Sl. Position title # 1. Technician III Position level S5 A No. of slots 4

MoEA/HRD-45/2012/734

Qualification required

Place of posting

Class X with 2 years DGM, certificate course in Auto MoEA Engineering from VTI Class VIII with certificate of MoEA driving. Valid driving licence

2.

Driver III

O4 A

Interested Bhutanese candidates may apply to the HRO on or before 31st May, 2012 with the following documents: 1. 3. 5. 7. RCSC employment form. 2. Academic transcripts. Valid medical fitness certificate. 4. Security clearance certificate. CID copy. 6. Any training-related certificates. No objection certificate if employed.

The list of short listed applicants will be posted in the Ministrys website. For any information please contact HRO @ 328100/333761. Human Resources Officer

PERSPECTIVES

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

Even a concrete jungle needs lungs

here was a time, when it was a matter of pride to say just how rapidly the capital city was growing. Today, the same statement is uttered with regret. The city has expanded so much that there is very little breathing space. Areas that once fell outside the city premises, and where plots were sometimes granted as kidu to people, who did not have one in Thimphu but had the temerity to ask for one, are also brimming with concrete today. The governments recent move to reverse what they had already decided, to build affordable housing for civil servants in some of the prime locations of the city, was laudable. This is especially, in light of the fact that most private land, its owners are maximising on, the resultant consequence of which is the unattractive disarray of structures popping up in just about every open space. All the aesthetic we once believed in holds no water today, so long as there is growing demand for rental apartments and quick money to be made; and that includes our banks. Drive along the expressway, and the sight of all those random structures coming up one either side of it disheartens one. As more and more of these structures begin to crop up, the city will begin to resemble those little towns in neighbouring countries that we used to once complain about, for being polluted and congested. If we still insist that the countrys architecture is the first point of contact for visitors to identify with, then there is very little that makes us stand out, compared with some of our neighbouring nations. Perhaps our architects and engineers have been trained in universities that teach them the same archaic programs and which are reflected in the designs, there for us to see. There is room for optimism still. We have not reached a point, where things cannot be rectified, at least with regards to the government lands that remain unexploited but come under threat of commercialist interests every now and then. Having driven along the expressway, a drive between the Memorial Chorten and Chubachu provides some space to sigh in relief, as the land on either of the stretch stays somewhat pristine. That, of course, is only a matter of time, and subject to the decisions the powers-to-be in future make. The government sounded helpless, when some of its officials said how it was only the government land that can be salvaged in the face of growing sense of commercialism among private landowners. Well, whatever happened to the tools and laws with which government agencies have been empowered to scrutinise chaotic mushrooming of structures, like those of Olarongchu.

My CounTRy, My Town

Cutting costs : Is making a water tank double up as a signboard part of RSTAs economy drive? Photo: christopher Sly (neeteen chhogyel tamang)
trashigang

My Say

Will dialling 113 get anything done?

May I ask what actually are the roles and responsibilities of 113? Last time I dialed 113 was when cars in our neighbourhood had been vandalised. A total of 8 cars were defaced and 2 auto thefts in one night. The ordeal did not end there, as we realised it had only begun. The initial process of reporting the case itself became a huge farce. The end result: all is done and any effort from the police disappeared. So it does not come as a surprise when most of the time people say, Whats the point in dialing 113? Recently, as I happened to be driving through Khuruthang from Bajo, I witnessed a drowning. The only thing I thought was, lets call 113. I was not surprised at the lukewarm response. Which leaves me wondering what happened thereafter? So, pardon me, if I am wrong but, for a change, put into sincerity the actual ethos of 113 . Pema Gyaltshen, Tencholing primary school, Wangdue

Send your letters and pictures to news@kuensel.com.bt Letters will be edited for space and clarity

Managing Director - Chencho Tshering, DePUtY Managing Director - Thinley Dorji, eDitor - Phuntsho Wangdi, neWS eDitor - Samten Wangchuk, DeSign eDitor - Chencho Tshering, cHieF PHotograPHer - Karma Dupchu, Printing gM - Karma Nima, circULation Manager - Ugyen Norbu, regionaL HeaD (KangLUng) - Pema Tenzin

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

DZONGKHAG

Kangpara Road

Game changer for chili growers

The near completion of a link to the highway has farmers looking forward with high hopes
Tempa Wangdi, Trashigang
By January 10 next year, it should be possible to drive to Kangpara, a major chili growing area along the southern border of the eastern district of Trashigang.

Once the road reaches the gewog office, two to three CONSTRUCTION households will try to sell There is less than nine kila truckload of ometres to build to reach the Kangpara gewog centre; the chili
final phase from Merak Ama river to Woongthung, where the gewog centre is located. Connecting Kangpara to the national highway requires building about 38km of feeder road, of which two-third has been completed in the earlier two phases. In the first phase, 16km was built from Kharungla to Growanchu. In the second phase, started in March 21 last year, 12.7 km was built from Tsangpo to Merak Ama river and comTshewang Tenzin A villager Zordung pleted by March 2012, four months ahead of schedule. The final phase might be completed ahead of deadline, because Rigsar construction completed the second phase four months ahead, junior engineer Jai Kumar Ghalley of the DoR office in Tsangpo said. The road has today reached

Not yet there: The feeder road beyond Merak Ama river in Paydung
Paydung village in Kangpara, a kilometre beyond Merak Ama river. Padung, a tiny hamlet of six households, is a three-hour walk from the gewog centre. The road will go through Boomshari, Sarong and Lamyong villages before winding up at the gewog centre. Chili producing Kangpara is also looking forward to a boom in farming after the arrival of the road. Annually Kangpara produces around 108,000kg of chili, cultivated over a 100-acre area. Once the road reaches the gewog office, two to three households will try to sell a truckload of chili, a villager in Zordung, Tshewang Tenzin, said. The gewog also has high potential for potato. Kangpara gup (headman) Chempa Dorji said until now the villagers produced potato only for self-consumption, despite its potential for large scale production, because of absence of road. Besides farming, transportation of raw materials for development of infrastructure and economic activities will also be accelerated, Chempa Dorji said. So far, the road has benefited more than 200 villagers of Brekha in Khaling gewog, and Tsangpo in Thrimshing gewog. An estimated Nu 257.2M was spent in the first two phases. Construction began on October 23, 2008 from Kharungla several months after the first elected government was sworn in.

Sherig Century CelebrationS Ministry of Education Department of School Education Private School Division
PSD/Notice-(42)/2012/645

InvItatIon for BIds

Ministry of Education is pleased to announce that the nation launched the Sherig Century Celebration on 2nd May, 2012 coinciding with the auspicious birth anniversary of the late Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The yearlong celebration will culminate on 21st February, 2013 coinciding with the National Education Day. A publication titled Reflection will be released during the culmination. Therefore, we invite articles of not more than 1000 words reflecting your experiences with the education and how it has shaped you as an individual. Please send in your articles either in hard or soft copy addressed to Karma Choden, Private School Division, Ministry of Education, Thimphu, or email at kcemssd@gmail.com latest by 30th September 2012. Lets celebrate Education! Lets celebrate our Nation. For further inquiries contact Karma Choden, Private School Division, Department of School Education at: 323237 (0) 17474057 (M) or email at kcemssd@gmail.com sd/Chair Sherig Century Task Force

royal institutE for tourisM & Hospitality Tourism Council of Bhutan

RITH/PRO(QTN-04)/2011-12/343

Royal Institute for Tourism & Hospitality (RITH) invites limited bids for Designed and Production of Inaugural Plague from the registered licence holder. A complete set of bidding documents may be purchased on payment of Nu.200/- (non-refundable) from Accounts Section, RITH starting 17th May, 2012 on working hours. Sale of bid will be closed on 12:00 noon on 31st May, 2012. For further queries, please contact at 02-331282/74 during office hours. Management

6 REGION
More disruptions as Air India pilots strike continues
At least 14 Air India flights have been cancelled as a strike by the pilots of Indias national carrier entered its seventh day. Thousands of passengers have been stranded at Delhi and Mumbai airports. Many have complained of a lack of information from the airline. The airline has sacked more than 70 pilots over the past few days in a dispute over training. Indias aviation minister renewed his call for pilots to enter talks. Officials said at least eight Air India international flights and six domestic fights were cancelled overnight on Sunday. Reports said about 200 pilots have called in sick since last Tuesday amid a dispute over training for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes. The pilots are protesting against the decision to train pilots from Indian Airlines, which merged with Air India in 2007, to fly the new planes. Air India pilots say that as the planes were ordered before the merger, they should be given priority for training. A day after the action began, the Delhi High Court ruled that the pilots strike was illegal and ordered them back to work, but many pilots have refused to return to duty. The airline last week said it had stopped taking bookings for US and Europe-bound flights until 15 May. BBC

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

CLASSIFIEDS
Wanted to buy: 2 nos. Hilux, 2000 model & above. Contact 17118959/77229991. Sale: Toyota 4 runner Hilux 94 model. 17162209. Sale: Concrete mixer. Contact 77251620. Sale: Taxi WagonR October 10. Contact 17641918. Wanted: On hire 4 no. JCB Backhoe loader for 2 months. Contact 17617077. Sale: Eon (2 months old). Contact 17114214. Sale: DCM 07, Bolero 09, Maruti van taxi 09. Contact Kel-Zang Assets Broker @ 77737561. For sale: Alto 08, Eco taxi 11, EX2 Truck 11 (loan transferable), Pulsar bike 11, Toyota Corona 91, Landcruiser 86. Contact Happy Home Used Cars Dealer @ 17141551/77447498. Sale: Tucson 05, Tucson 06, WagonR taxi 07, Santro taxi 08. Contact Norzoed Motors @ 17267253. Sale: 15 decimal land at Semtokha above old highway. Contact 17607337. Sale: Prime land measuring 17 decimal at Taba, 41 decimal at Debsi, 13 decimal at Namseling. Call 17607337. Sale: 70 decimal land at Gelephu above airport. Contact 77449903. Sale: 45 decimal land at Wangbama, opposite to education city and 42 decimal above education city. Contact 77630085. Sale: 25 decimal at Lhamoizingkha near dungkhag geog office, near highway. Contact 17257170. Sale: 11 decimal land at Khasadrapchu, 8 decimal land at Babesa. Contact 17141551. Sale: 31 decimal land at Pachhu Tar, Phuentsholing @ 45,000 per decimal. Serious buyers may contact 17609742. Vacancy: Shop helper (male), salary 5,500 & driver light, salary 6000/-. For details call 77384820. Vacancy: Reliable labourers required for landscape gardening work at Thimphu Tech Park, Babesa. Initially 3 weeks work, then further jobs if applicants are suitable. Start Monday 21st May. Phone Shax 17412465 or email shaxhome@hotmail. com Vacancy: Tsheringma Import & Rental requires two class X pass candidates for recruitment. Contact 17732252. Vacancy: Manager (female) class XII pass with computer knowledge. Details contact 17546957, Yeshi Norbu Workshop, Rangjung, Trashigang. Vacancy: Office assistant, class 12 with computer knowledge. Contact 17625804.

Indian actress Rekha takes parliament oath

Sale: Restaurant and bar. Contact 77637854. Rent: Space for shop/ office available from 1st July, 12 at Yarkay Plaza, opposite taxi parking. Office space available above Pel-Wong Color Photo Lab. Contact 77652951. Rent: Office space above 8 Eleven/below Imtrat. Contact 17240289. Sale: Garment shop near Zangdopelri. Contact 16931126. Rent: Small space for fast food in the main town. Contact 17497602. Sale: Tourist standard restaurant at main town. Contact 17619068.

Vacancy: Factory worker -5, (qualification not required), sales person XII with computer knowledge. Contact Rabten Wire, Pasakha, tel. # 05-254296. Vacancy: Kunzueng Institute of Information & Technology, Gelephu wishes to recruit one accounts faculty and one hardware networking professional. Contact 17150038. Vacancy: House keeping, waiters, sweepers, gardeners, launderer. Contact Jambayang Resort. 327731. Vacancy: Ticketing assistant (class 12) for tour company. Contact 17481855. Vacancy: Required 10 factory workers for Yarab Pvt. Ltd. qualification not required and willing to do over time. Contact no. 17330366/Phone no. 05254758.

Computer & Management Institute, Thimphu & Phuentsholing: Offers one year certificate course. Five different courses with one fee. Job guarantee. Institute places the best one. Details, please call 17141797/17110661. Announcement: BHUTAN PLY, PHUENTSHOLING, we manufacture plywood and flush door at competitive price. Free delivery on bulk orders. Contact 77394597, phone # 05-252213. Announcement: This is to inform our valued customers that Zombala Restaurant at Hongkong Market will observe Bhutanese auspicious month (Dau Zhipa) with effect from 21st May - 19th June, 12. During the above mentioned month, no meat items will be served, only vegetable items will be available. Inconvenience caused is regretted.

Rekha is still considered a Bollywood diva

Veteran Bollywood actress Rekha has been sworn in as an MP in Indias upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha. Taking her oath, the actress vowed to faithfully discharge the duty upon which I am about to enter . Indias prime minister can nominate 12 people with special experience in literature, science, art and social service to parliament. Nominated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the Rajya Sabha, Rekhas term began on 27 April. Rekha Ganesan, 57, a top Hindi film heroine during the 1980s, was regarded as a sex symbol and is still considered a Bollywood diva. Her hit films include Umrao Jan, for which she won a National Film Award for best actress, Silsila, Khoobsurat and Muqaddar ka Sikander. Top Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is expected to take his oath as an MP on Wednesday. BBC

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

DIVERSION 7

daffynition
because [Paraphrase]
Moms reason for having kids do things which cant be explained logically

scrabblegram

rebus stop
Answer: Tripod

superstition robin
William Blake in his poem, Auguries of Innocence, insists: A Robin Redbreast in a cage puts all heaven in a rage.

riddlemeree
The reverse-gear riddle

q: What goes zzub zzub zzub? a: Bumble bee flying backwards!

todayinhistory

1985
Michael Air Jordan was named Rookie of the Year in the NBA.

8direcTions Take a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. To total points of your words, use scoring directions to right of each row. 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. Blanks used as any letter have no point value. 8LAsT weeKs Answer
imPeL brogue goose wobble

happybirthday
GABRIelA Sabatini 1970'Tennis champion

What the football star looked forward to during the off-season.

a: a

SUPERBOWL

quotefortheday
While grief is fresh, every attempt to divert only irritates. You must wait till it be digested, and then amusement will dissipate the remains of it. SAMuel Johnson [1709-1784]

beau peep

homegrown
ReD-RuMpeD

Swallow
KuenseL To AdverTise call 326191 or fax 326638; email: advertisement@ kuensel.com.bt To subscribe call 327463

(Hirundo daurica) At S/Jongkhar; not that common

ecotip
Go Green
Wildlife gardens Does your school have a wildlife garden or conservation area? If not, suggest one. Maybe you can help build it

For news call 324684/322483

nu per units of foreign CurrenCy as of yesterday NOTES Buy us $ pounD euro yen(100) HK $ Aus $ sing $ 52.95 85.10 68.15 66.15 6.80 52.85 42.10 sell 54.70 87.45 70.05 68.05 7.00 54.30 43.30

anagram
Unscramble the anagram for a sport/game A WET FEW RAN IT RIGHT (5,5,7) [A river adventure]
SoluTIoN: WHITE WATER RAFTING

Courtesy BnB

SPACE REQUIRED FOR RENT

THDC India Ltd. requires following space for their office and residence purpose in Phuentsholing, Bhutan w.e.f July, 2012: 04 nos. of Flats of 04 BHK, or 05 nos. of Flats of 03 BHK. H o t l i n e: 2 1 1

ADS

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

Hotline:211

Hotline:211

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTS Department of Forests and Parks Services Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division INVITATION OF SEALED QUOTATION
MoA-ICS-14/2012/4082

The flats should be in city area and preferably in one building. Interested parties may contact within one week at the following address: THDC India Ltd. 1st Floor, Pelkhil Centre, Pelkhil Lam, Phuentsholing, Bhutan. Ph. +975-05-253009/8; 17160001, 17119203. Keep Thimphu Clean and Green

Nature Recreation & Ecotourism Division (NRED) is pleased to invite sealed quotation for the supply of the following items from the eligible suppliers. 1. Sleeping Bag 4. Gum Boots 2. Two Men Tent 5. Life Jacket (Boating) 3.Four Men Tent

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT THIMPHU THROMDE

Post Box No.-215, Thimphu-11001
TT/LMS/OO-02/2012/284

Tender documents are available for sale from 16th May, 2012 till 28th May, 2012 on cash payment of Nu. 300/- (non-refundable) from Accounts Section of NRED Office at Kawajangsa, Thimphu. Tender may please be submitted with sample on 29th May, 2012 on or before 12noon and the same will be opened at 3pm. Program Director Hotline:211 Hotline:211

H o t l i n e: 2 1 1

Keep Thimphu Clean and Green

The Royal Secretariat has approved the regularization of remaining New Sathram Compilation (NSC) excess land of Langjophakha LAP vide HMS/AFD/33/2001-12/327 dated 19/7/2011. Thimphu Thromde will be updating in the Thromde land records and will collect the land taxes due from the land owners in addition to the cost of excess land at PAVA rate approved by the Royal Secretariat. Thimphu Thromde would like to inform the concerned owners to report to the land Management Section for updation from 21/5/2012 till 11/6/2012 (Three weeks). Therefore, all concerned land owners are requested to report on the above mentioned dates during office hours without fail. Thrompon Keep Thimphu Clean and Green NRDCL NRDCL NRDCL

Keep Thimphu Clean and Green

Regularization of excess land of Langjophakha LAP .

NOTICE INVITING TENDER DZONGKHAG ADMINISTRATION, PUNAKHA

DAP/Muni-26/2011-2012/2285

Punakha Dzongkhag would like to invite sealed item rates from the eligible contractors registered with the CDB holding valid trade and CDB licence for the work mentioned below: Name of work Class Duration in months 10 EMD Tender cost

Major Renovation of Solid Waste Small Disposal at Laptsagu, Punakha

2% of quoted Nu.500/amount

Bidding documents can be purchased from Khuru Municipal Office, Punakha effective from 16th May-16th June, 2012 for submission on 16th June before 12 noon to be opened on the same day at 2:30pm in presence of bidders attending the opening. Dzongdag

NRDCL

NRDCL

NRDCL/HQ/MeS/08/1423

NRDCL

NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED, THIMPHU

NRDCL Management would like to inform that there is limited stock of spare parts for Caterpillar Excavator. Anyone interested to purchase the parts may kindly contact the Stores Manager at tel. no. 323868/323834 Ext-106 during office hours. NRDCL Management NRDCL NRDCL NRDCL

NRDCL

NOTIFICATION

NOTICE INVITING TENDER(RE-ANNOUNCEMENT) MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Administration and Finance Division

MOE/PRO-14/2012/3211

Ministry of Education invites sealed bids from eligible Bhutanese National bidders having valid licence for the Development of Comprehensive School Health & Safety Guideline for schools in Bhutan. A complete set of bidding documents may be obtained from the Procurement Section, Ministry of Education with effect from 18th May, 2012 during office hours on payment of Nu. 500/- only (non-refundable) for the cost of tenders. The bid must be submitted to the Chief Administrative Officer, Ministry of Education on or before 31st May, 2012 at 11:00 am and shall be opened on the same day at 3:00 pm in the conference hall of the Ministry of Education. Chief Administrative Officer

NRDCL

NRDCL

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

HOME

Pralang, Tang, Bumthang

Politics on the paddy field

Tashi Tenzin, BumThang
Rinchenla, 52, of Pralang village in Tang, Bumthang, is fighting to get irrigation water for his acre and half paddy field, which was started as a pilot project seven years ago. season. However, the following year, the villagers completely refused to give water, Rinchenla said. Some of the villagers were on the road and some at the water source during the paddy season, he said. Rinchenla alleged that, on April 18 this year, while trying to water his field, two people from the village tried to stop him, saying the matter is yet to be solved by the dzongkhag court. He once again approached the dzongkhag court, which issued an order, stating the villagers should let Rinchenla use the water source for paddy. The order was read out to five of the villagers on April 24 by the village tshogpa (elected representative). Two of the villagers had refused to follow the court instruction because the water passes through their fields. Tshogpa Lekila said, although the two refused to agree, one of them in the evening agreed to let pass the water through his field. But Rinchenla is not comfortable with the decision, as not all the people involved agreed to the decision. If I supply water with the few people agreeing on the court instruction, then there will be the same problem arising in future, as all the people involved in the matter havent agreed in writing, he said. I cant trust the people . Rinchenla has left his land fallow this season. Even if I start working, itll be too late for paddy, as it has to be planted on right time, he said. It will just grow but bear no fruit. Lekimo, 50, one of the villagers, who had refused to let the water pass through her field, said she had asked Rinchenla to use proper pipes, so there is no damage to her field. In 2008, I couldnt harvest any potato from where the water channel passes, she said. The seepage from the channel has affected my field and some portion even washed away The villages water source comes from Tangrat, a few metres away. Another farmer, 70-year old Karma, said he had also asked that proper pipes be used , so that his field is not damaged.

DISCORD
Rinchenla said that, when the pilot project was first initiated by the former agriculture minister, the seven households of the village were supportive and cultivated paddy until 2007. When the new government was formed in 2008 by the DPT, his neighbours started to stop the water flowing to his fields, because he was the lone supporter in his village of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In 2008, I planted paddy, but the other villagers refused to give water in the middle of the season, Rinchenla said. I reported the matter to the dzongkhag administration and managed to get water and reap paddy for that

Picture story: More than 50 designers participated in the national design competition, 2012 yesterday at the fashion show that was organised by the Royal Textile Academy and the Textile Museum. The designers were judged in three categories - kira, gho and embroidery. In each category, the winners was awarded a cash prize of Nu 50,000, Nu 30,000 and Nu 10,000. Ten weavers were awarded the Royal Patrons meritorious award.

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Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

NOTICE INVITING SEALED QUOTATION

DZONGKHAG ADMINISTRATION, THIMPHU

TDA/ADM-49/2011-2012/5858

Dzongkhag Administration, Thimphu would like to invite sealed quotations from certified and authorized dealers for supply of following equipment to Tango and Wangditse Dzong Reconstruction Project Office. The sealed bids should be addressed to Sr. Dzongrab, Project Manager, Dzongkhag Administration, Thimphu and must be submitted latest by 31st May, 2012 before 1:00pm and it will be opened at 3:00pm on the same day. 1. 30HP Kohler powered Lucas Portable Sawmill with gasoline engine-Model No. M8-30 (8 blade)-2 sets 2. Combiplaner with interchangeable Attachments (Jai WudPro)- Model No. J-1013L-2 Sets 3. Lifting Jack (30 ton)- 4 Sets 4. Power Chain-2 Sets Sr. Dzongrab (Project Manager) NRDCL NRDCL NRDCL

NOTIFICATION NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED, THIMPHU

NRDCL/HQ/MBDD/15/1443

The NRDCL would like to notify all the concerned that with immediate effect, all the sand transporters shall follow the RSTA approved transport rates as below:
Transportation charge from Mitsichen/ Chuzadong, Punakha to Thimphu 7369.60 7369.60 7369.60 8843.52

call 326191 or fax 326638; email: advertisement@kuensel.com.bt, TO SUBSCRIBE call 327463; FOR NEWS call 324684/322483

TO ADVERTISE in KUENSEL

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1 2 3 4

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Sl #

Type of truck Heavy Heavy Heavy Heavy

Make

Model

Carrying capacity (MT) 10.00 10.00 10.00 12.00

Rate (Nu./KM/ MT) 7.84x94x10 7.84x94x10 7.84x94x10 7.84x94x10

Eicher Tata Tipper Tata Timber body Tata Twelve Wheeler

Terra 16 LPT1112 SE1613 LPT1918

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The cost of Sand at Quarry site (Mitsichen/Chuzadong) will be Nu.879.25 for 10MT and proportionately calculated for other trucks with different capacity. The supply shall start from 18/05/2012. The above transportation is applicable only from Mitsichen/Chuzadong, Punakha to Thimphu. The sand cost should be deposited with NRDCL HQ, Thimphu on Sha Regional Office, Samthang, Wangdue and the cost of transportation will have to be paid directly to transporters by the customers. All truckers are requested to follow the standard RSTA approved rates. If any truckers are overcharging the rate and brought to the notice of NRDCL, they shall be debarred/not allowed to transport sand in the future. The customers can lodge complaints to RSTA/DoFPS/NRDCL against any truckers overcharging beyond the above rates. Please contact Marketing Division, NRDCL, Thimphu for any clarification at tel # 323868/323834 or Regional Manager , Sha Regional Office at tel # 481272/481537. NRDCL Management NRDCL NRDCL NRDCL

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

HOME 11

Draft Survey & Mapping Report

Limited logging of tsenden advised

Such action must be taken to conserve natural cypress forests in the kingdom
Samten YeShi
Completely restricting logging of natural tsenden (cypress) forests until its dynamics is completely understood could be one way to conserve its natural growth. tsenden trees in Wangduephodrang was felled for the renovation of Punakha and Paro dzongs. I think we need some measure to protect such big natural tsenden trees from felling, she said. Forest fire, cattle grazing and low seed vitality are other factors threatening the conservation of tsenden forest according to the report. We also came across illegally felled tsenden for domestic use at Nyichuphug, Wangduephodrang, Thinley Wangdi said. It is also most sought by the locals for making altars and other house holds items. Even today the Tsenden shingles could be most preferred roofing material for any one who cannot afford CGI sheets, the report states. Tsenden has been endangered in the wild and today the tsenden can only be found in remote and difficult to reach places according to Thinley. We didnt see much regeneration of natural tsenden forest, he said, indicating that the regeneration of natural tsenden forest is low. Poor management planning for sustainable harvesting and lack of information on tsenden

Illegally felled: A tsenden log sawed for planks in Nyichhuphug

UWICE
This suggestion came out yesterday, during a discussion on the draft tsenden survey and mapping report by Ugyen Wangchuk Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE). One obvious threat is excessive logging of tsenden for construction and renovation of dzongs and monasteries in the country, according to Thinley Wangdi, a research officer with UWICE, who headed the tsenden survey and mapping team. There are about 2002 sacred structures, according to some records, he said. Cypress logs are preferred for building and renovation of traditional structures like dzongs because its height and girth with durability make it most suitable to be used as main beams and pillars. A participant pointed out that huge number of big natural

Photo: UWICE Forests and its dynamics was another threat, while competition from blue pine in logged areas, and some natural death of tsenden, which could be a dieback, was also observed. According to the survey report natural tsenden occurs within 1800m to 2900m above sea level on the steep rocky slopes in remote parts of Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Lhuentse and Trashigang. The distribution spectrum for the planted tsenden is wider than the naturally grown tsenden forests, which can be recorded as low as 300m above seal level in Phuentsholing, the report states. A tsenden plantation project was launched in 2010, covering 102.36 hectares, with the budget of Nu12.25M from Bhutan trust fund for environmental conservation (BTEC). Detailed inventory and assessment of tsenden stock, continuation of regeneration trial study for native tsenden, taxonomic and genetic studies, and analysis of tsenden timber demand for construction and renovation of important monuments are recommended, among a few others. The report was presented in conference hall of the Department of Forest (DoF) in Thimphu yesterday, with participants from various agencies involved in natural conservation.

NOTIFICATION ROYAL BHUTAN POLICE

RBP/TD/A-116/2012/150

NOTICE INVITING QUOTATION

This is to inform the general public and the motorists that Traffic Police has intensified check on the high way and within the town to ensure compliance of traffic rules and regulations. It is done to ensure that motorists strictly and religiously adhere to basic traffic norms, rules and discipline for safety of all road users. Motorists are very irresponsible, negligent and careless, who want to follow traffic rules only when they see traffic personnel and they do not, when no police is seen around Therefore, all motorists are informed to drive cautiously within speed limit for their own safety and for safety of other road users. Traffic police shall be conducting checks like that of express way at the following locations as well, be careful not to speed.
l Core city roads l Junshina-Pamtsho road l RICB-Kalabazar-Kunselphodrang road l Swimming pool road l Motithang-Zilukha-Sangaygang road l Langjophakha-Taba-Dechencholing road

ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION Thimphu

ACC/SECTT-28/680

The Anti-Corruption Commission invites sealed bids from interested travel/ticketing agents having valid license for the purchase and issue of air tickets for the following routes. The tender forms can be collected from the Administration & Finance Division or downloaded from the website at www. acc.org.bt free of cost. Paro Bangkok Paris Prague - Brussels Bangkok - Paro- 2 Pax The rates quoted should be submitted to this office on or before 28th May, 2012 by 12:30PM. The tenders will be opened on the same day at 2:30PM in presence of the interested bidders or their representatives. Preference shall be given to the cheapest and the most direct route. Director

The most violated offences are: l Drink driving l Over speeding l Parking offences l Not carrying documents l Reckless driving l Not giving right of way l over taking No one shall be excused form the penalty, punching and cancellation of licence subsequently. We request all to Co-operate with us to make the roads a safer place to drive for everyone. Superintending of Police (Traffic Division)

12 SPORTS

Wednesday May 16, 2012 KUENSEL

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Picture story A friendly game was played between the national basketball team and Dallas Southwestern University team from the United States at the Royal Thimphu College yesterday. Despite good competition from the local teams, the foreigners won the game beating the men team 56-49 and the women 64-50. The actual match will take place today from 6 pm onwards at the RTC court.

IPL standings 2012(16 May)

May 27: Final Winner

Weather forecast for today:

16 May , 2012

Dzongkhag

Thimphu Bumthang/Chamkhar Kanglung/Trashigang Bhur/Sarpang

For Thimphu: Sunrise : 5:12AM

Max

24 22 25 30

Min

13 10 14 22

Outlook

Sunset : 6:43PM
Source: Meteorology HMSD/DOE/MOEA

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