WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

The two notices released by the Bank of Bhutan  regarding the ESP Education Loan Scheme for the 2026 Summer Intake have raised serious concerns among students and parents. The first notice announced that the application window had opened and invited eligible students to submit their applications before 30 June 2026. This gave the impression that applicants would have adequate time to prepare documents, submit applications, and be fairly assessed based on their financial needs and eligibility. However, the second notice, issued only hours later, stated that the application window had been closed effective 2 June 2026  due to the exhaustion of allocated funds. This sequence of events raises an important question: Was the application process genuinely intended to evaluate students based on need, or was it effectively operating on a first-come, first-served basis from the very beginning? The purpose of an education loan scheme, particularly one designed to support stud...

The Bhairabkunda Shiva Mandir, located at Bhairabkunda in Jomotshakha, has emerged as the largest Hindu temple in Bhutan, becoming a major spiritual landmark and symbol of the country’s religious harmony. The newly constructed temple stands on the site of an older, smaller shrine that had served devotees for decades. With the growing number of pilgrims visiting Bhairabkunda every year, the need for a larger and more accommodating structure led to the construction of the present grand mandir. The temple has been built as a gift from His Majesty The King, reflecting Bhutan’s deep respect for faith, culture, and peaceful coexistence. A Sacred Tirtha Dham Bhairabkunda is regarded as one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in Bhutan and is widely recognized as a Tirtha Dham. The site holds immense spiritual significance rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and long-held religious traditions. According to belief, Lord Indra, the King of the Gods, descended at Bhairabkunda rid...

Bhutan has officially implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from January 1, 2026, marking a major shift in the country’s taxation system. While GST registration is mandatory only for businesses with an annual turnover of Nu. 5 million and above, concerns are growing among small businesses operating below this threshold. Many small traders report that they are being charged 5% GST by larger, GST-registered suppliers. As a result, even unregistered small businesses are indirectly bearing the tax burden. To recover these added costs, small businesses say they have no option but to increase their prices by around 5%, passing the impact on to consumers. This situation has raised public concern, as GST—intended to be progressive—may be affecting small enterprises and daily prices more than expected. Business owners and consumers alike are calling for clearer guidelines and support measures to protect small businesses and ensure a smooth GST transition. #BhutanGST #GST2026 ...

As Bhutan celebrates the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Great Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the nation bows in deep reverence and gratitude to the monarch who shaped Bhutan’s destiny with wisdom, courage, and compassion. His Majesty’s reign was not only a chapter of leadership but an era of transformation — a legacy that continues to guide the Bhutanese people with unwavering light. His Majesty the Great Fourth is widely revered as the architect of modern Bhutan. With a vision that balanced progress and preservation, he laid the foundation for a nation rooted in peace, sovereignty, and happiness. His leadership exemplified humility and service — a reign where every decision reflected love for the people and faith in their potential. The Timeless Teachings of a Monarch In his guidance to His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, the Great Fourth imparted twelve profound lessons — a set of principles that capture the essence of Bhutan’s nationhood and values. These te...

After several days of isolation caused by heavy rains and washed-away bridges, the Royal Government of Bhutan has finally deployed helicopter services to the southern regions today, bringing much-needed relief and hope to the stranded communities. The incessant rainfall last Sunday severely affected transportation networks, cutting off road access to several areas, including Dorokha and Denchukha. With no other option, residents had even begun relying on private helicopter services to transport essentials and reach safety. Today, government helicopters have been actively airlifting stranded students, teachers, civil servants, and other individuals from the affected areas. The service is also prioritizing the transportation of animal feed and essential food supplies, ensuring that both people and livestock receive timely assistance. According to officials, public lifting will be facilitated if time and conditions remain favorable, as relief operations continue w...

Under the warm sun and amidst the whispering teak forests of Gelephu, the vibrant colors of orange come alive — the unmistakable presence of the Desuups. With sleeves rolled up and hearts aligned in purpose, they work tirelessly on the sacred grounds of what will soon become the Gelephu Mindfulness City — a vision born from His Majesty The King’s profound dream for Bhutan’s future. Each shovel of soil, each coordinated movement, and every drop of sweat shed by these guardians of peace carry deep meaning. They are not merely building a city — they are nurturing a dream, watering the very roots of mindfulness, unity, and compassion that define the Bhutanese spirit. In the shade of the forest, their bright uniforms reflect dedication and discipline. The hum of teamwork echoes through the trees, blending seamlessly with the rhythm of nature. Among them, smiles, determination, and quiet pride shine — for they know they are part of something far greater than themselves. ...

Nepal is slowly stabilising after one of the deadliest protest waves in decades, as the appointment of an interim government begins to reshape the political scene. The Gen-Z and Janjati-led demonstrations earlier this month left scores dead, major government buildings torched, and forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation. Former Leaders in Protective Custody Due to threats during the violent unrest, the Nepali Army continues to provide security for two former prime ministers: K.P. Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba . Both remain under protection at Shivpuri Army Barracks. Sources say the army relocated Oli on September 10 after protesters stormed his Baluwatar residence. Deuba and his wife, Dr. Arju Rana, were rescued from their Budhanilkantha home after it was set ablaze by demonstrators. Other senior leaders — including former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, and Baburam Bhattarai — were also briefly moved to safe l...