The resettlement program for Bhutanese is probably one of the most successful resettlement programs in the world. In 2009, Nepal became the largest resettlement country program in the world before Thailand. Earlier, it used to be Thailand, but now it is Nepal. The fact that we are the largest resettlement shows that it is a successful program. The second thing which makes me conclude this is that the recognition rate is something like 99%,
Of late, instances of allegation on AMDA for its negligence have been pouring in. In a month’s time, the relatives of two youths—Ganga Tiwari, 17, from Khudunabari and Rupa Subba, 28, from Beldangi-I camp, have publicly alleged the AMDA-Nepal for its negligence during the treatment of those young lives. There are many rooms to believe AMDA’s laxity, for instance, your tenure at the UNHCR office in Kathmandu began not that long time and there already existed dozens of such negligence-related death cases in the past years. Often the referral cases of seriously ill patients are delayed and denied.
Enough property, land and prestigious life of Kadel family in Burma (Myanmar) were always a source of jealous for his neighbors. Kewal R. Kadel’s mother was a self-learned spiritual jumping doctor (a woman who treats patient by praying and playing with the ghosts; believed in the conventional Nepali society). They earned a big cash and […]
The Bhutanese government expects steady double-digit growth for the next three years—the period the Thinley government will remain in power. The annual budget presented at parliament last week has projected growth based on expanding construction such as hydropower projects. The projection has not taken into consideration the negative impact of inflation in India. The internal market is directly affected by India, and inflation has been taking its toll there.
As speculated by the G20 leaders, another wave of global economic downturn is expected shortly. This will fuel consumer prices in India and thus have a direct impact on Bhutan. Additionally, increasing food prices in India will affect Bhutan which relies heavily on India for its food supply. The food dependence on India will heighten in the coming years as the construction of over a dozen hydropower projects will further reduce the area of agricultural land in Bhutan. When completed, these mega power projects will raise the national growth rate much higher, as high as 27 percent. This does not represent balanced growth of the country, considering the fact that it will not bring any changes in the lives of the common Bhutanese
The Bhutanese government expects steady double-digit growth for the next three years—the period the Thinley government will remain in power. The annual budget presented at parliament last week has projected growth based on expanding construction such as hydropower projects. The projection has not taken into consideration the negative impact of inflation in India. The internal […]
BY PASHUPATI TIMSINA: Erudite people in and out of the convention hall were expressing their opinion that the current fragmentation of the community is just due to the reason of the conflict of few people with their personal matter. This is unfortunate. Personal vested interest should not be flashed publicly and should not hamper the entire community. Bhutanese in America require an umbrella organization to speak their real problems and assist in their requirements. For both the organization, time has come to be cool, broadminded, dynamic and farsighted, before taking any decision or organizing any activities. At some point, unity now has no alternative. Thus, both OBCA and ABA members must coolly think about the prevailing situation in the communities. This is the need of the community and demand of the time. Bhutanese communities in America wish for unity of OBCA and ABA. Both organizations have to be serious. It is not that ABA or OBCA alone should compromise for “unity”. Both of these organizations have to compromise, if needed. Words can perhaps be easily uttered but it’s the demand of the time that we live up united in practice. The panelists also expressed sadness on the formation of OBCA despite their open interest for the unification and amendment of the team. They accepted the weakness for their poor outreach, advocacy and strong communication with Bhutanese in America due to the lack of funds, human resources, among others.
Travelling north on the Mechi Highway, terraced rice fields give way to tea plantations that carpet the foot of the hills. From Happen Chowk, strangely named after the shorts, we head east, driving through a deeply-rutted road penetrating the Burne tea plantation in Jhapa towards the Timai refugee camp. The Timai camp, one of the […]
BY DICK CHHETRI: It must be made clear that it is time to think twice about the stakes involved in the unity of all Bhutanese in America. It is time that we all take timely actions to respectfully tell ABA and OBCA to come together as one at this very initial stage before the fire of division spread and engulf us. Honestly, I see an unfortunate fork at the road that if ABA does not recognize, accept and offer a solution now, we all are doomed to divide. This is the time for ABA to lead by offering valuable and varieties of options, giving the people good reasons to follow. We want one organization at the national level without competing among the two but by coming together in understanding as one. It might be too early to say but let’s hope the ongoing convention of ABA will leave no stone unturned to bring unification on the single subject of one National organization for all Bhutanese in America. The creation of two different national level organizations will be a blow to the morale of Bhutanese in America and it sends out a ripple effect to the Bhutanese in exile. It will not only divide the people but lose support because most of the people will remain in between reluctant to contribute on either side.
It is not about you and me It is not about you and me. It is about the Bhutanese in America. It is perhaps unfortunate that within a gap of few weeks, we Bhutanese are bound to observe two conventions—both of them claimed to be of “national” level. We recently observed the first convention of […]
The election result evidently shows that our younger generation is emerging to take a lead role to serve the community. However, the fact that the contribution and guidance of experts, experienced and older generation community leaders that stands unavoidable, should not be undermined in any sense. Youth’s single effort, for sure, is not very stronger until we learn to be guided by seniors from within the community. As we are in transitional phase, the need to have collective leadership is yet another significant demand of the time. This demand in one sense will largely contribute for “unity” of the community. Days after the convention of the OBCA, Bhutanese will soon see another convention of the Association of Bhutanese in America (ABA) slated from July 2-4 in the same venue. If both of these organizations continue to compete with one another, it is sure one might win the game; yet community as a whole will loose it though.