New Delhi, Nov 07 (ANI): Political democratisation has boosted avenues for inclusive development in the mountain kingdom, Chairperson of the National Council, Parliament of Bhutan, Dr Sonam Kinga said.
Moderated by the Member of Indian Parliament, Baijayant Panda, the Aspen Institute India session yesterday, themed "Democratising Shangri-La," was co-hosted by The Thimphu Seminars.
The first Buddhist government in Bhutan was founded in 1626, under the leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who unified valley-based polities. Monarchy was established in 1907, but was viewed as a symbol of change and progress rather than a system based on the idea of 'divine rights.'
In the last few years, the democratic transition in Bhutan has been substantially peaceful, with the monarchy itself providing impetus to the process. Bhutan witnessed its first general elections in 2008, which were followed by a peaceful and smooth transfer of power in the 2013 polls.
Presenting an engaging overview of the transition to democracy in Bhutan, Dr Kinga asserted, "A wide range of factors have triggered democratisation in Bhutan. There was a widespread advocacy spearheaded by the growing middle class for a regime change. Catalysing the change were also class conflicts and popular social movements, which brought to the forefront debate on successful monarchy versus loss of legitimacy in governance."
Highlighting the positive political changes witnessed in Bhutan, Dr Kinga said, "Some of the key challenges facing democratisation in Bhutan pertain to that of positioning monarchy vis-a-vis democracy and bridging the relationship between central and local governments."
"There is a need to tackle electoral corruption, and the mindset of the considering alternative and opposing views as unpatriotic and disloyal. Democracy also brings with it unequal benefits of economic development and income disparities. To strengthen the process, it is imperative to take steps that promote education and awareness among citizens on the different facets of democracy," Dr. Kinga added.
"In Bhutan, democratic governance is viewed different by various strata of society. Peasants view a democratic State to be a catalyst of modernisation and development. The middle class sees it as an instrument of boosting constitutionalism and the rule of law. The sizeable monastic community considers the State as a protector and patron of spirituality and Dharma. The Parliament thinks of the same as a space for re-negotiating social relations," Dr Kinga further said.
Sandwiched between two Asian giants, India and China, Bhutan is a landlocked nation with a population of over 700,000 people, out of which 68 percent are subsistent peasants. With a GDP of Rs 113 billion, Bhutan's major economic activities are agriculture, hydropower generation, construction and tourism.
Dr Kinga was previously the Chairperson, House Committee, National Council from 2008 to Mar 2013 and Chairperson, Good Governance Committee, National Council from 2008-Mar 2013. He has an illustrious career in journalism and served as the Publication Officer at CAPSD, Ministry of Education, Thimphu and Director, Board of Directors of BBSC-National Radio Television (2002-2004). He was also a Member of the National Film and TV Review Board (1999-2003).
Aspen Institute India promotes values-based leadership, open dialogue and cross-sector outreach by engaging the civil society, government, private sector, and other key stakeholders on issues related to India's development. It invites industrial, economic, financial, political, social and cultural leaders to discuss these issues in settings that encourage frank and open dialogue. (ANI)
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