The news reports from Kuensel
(/soelra-or-kidu-ol-returns-duty-vehicle/#.UYAQH1IWK24)
and The Bhutanese (ministers-get-to-keep-their-toyota-prados-and-office-equipment/)
OR
(bt/while-pm-warns-nation-against-mines-his-family-members-own-and-apply-for-multiple-mines/)
show how greedy our ministers are. They wouldn’t leave anything before they go
from their offices.
Here are some interesting facts and
valuable comments from readers about the Prado issue. There are many thought-provoking comments mentioned in on online news. I have selected a few.
From
Kuensel:
dragon009 wrote:
its a good act by the former opposition leader. i think
others too should follow him so that Bhutan will save some budget, which can be
used for other development purposes in future. the old prados can be given to
other organisations and departments instead of buying new one and wasting
money. the future leaders can have new ones but old vehicles should contribute
in saving the budget for development in the country especially in rural bhutan.
Rewheneach
wrote:
1. To OL, we were worried that you were being trapped by the
polluted design of DPT and include you as one of their mafia members. Please
stand by the principle. In the beginning if you refer to our articles, we told
you that you could be a Minister but not a PM because something is missing in
you. Over the last five years, you have emerged as one of the true leaders of
Bhutan and that there is growing confidence in you amongst our communities.
Qualification wise, experiences wise, leadership wise and from every angle, we
are convinced that you can be a leader (PM) of the country one day. Please do
keep up your work above all temptation and personal greed, where possible try
to bring institute system that is good for overall interest of the country. Do
not leave any grey areas where Ministers can exploit to benefit their greed and
personal interest. Once again we are convinced that you could possibly lead
this beautiful nation of ours one day. We need a clean man who can sacrifice
all the personal temptations and greed.
To our honourable PM, we are losing our faith in you, may be you have served this nation for many decades and how many Prados and Land cruisers you would have taken both officially and without the public notice during these tenure. We had been a staunch supporter of you personally and the DPT. But our faith in you is beginning to genuinely fading slowly because of your vested interest and most importantly the last incidence of PRADOA issue make us shame. We even cannot think that you could become so cheap and greedy to ask soelra and kidu from HM when the country is running Rupee crisis, when common people are finding difficult to meet their basic needs. You could have graciously resigned with clean manner without any polluted baggage. Certainly your end of this five year was very bad, we have still hope that some lights and wisdom will prevail on you and that DPT will return Prados and Land cruisers.
Honorable PM, 5 to 10 years ago when the nation was under the monarchical system, Prados were granted to Ministers for different purpose and need and it was ok, but this cannot be continued under a democratic and different system for obvious reasons- rupee crisis, increased people’s voice, accountability to the constituencies and all this makes people to question the government. That is why Ministers and government have to be more careful and sensitive to the views and opinion of the public and important to remain clean to garner the public support and to increase the credibility and image of the government and the country. PM need to learn the long term interest of the nation instead of killing the goose at one go!!!! Prados and Land cruisers are properties of the people of Bhutan and these DPT Ministers and Thrizin cannot just rob us. Of all these days, we were proud that we have the best system in the South Asia region, we are losing this pride because of our inability of the Ministers to satisfy their greed.
So far we respected our leaders of our country, we respected our country, now we are beginning to rethink the types of leaders ruling us. We are seeing now daylight robbery, Ministers cannot just become thick skin and insensitive to the views and opinions of the public. A time may come when you will regret for misusing the power and for looting the public properties including the Prados. We will ensure that this property is returned and we will continue to hard press those looters of Prados, this is no joke- we are angry with the Ministers for robbing the Prados. We wish to see Parados are returned within this week or two. These Prados are not meant for them to ride during their campaign. That is why, we are saying if the people at the top collude and loot the public properties, the loyal citizens will lose faith in the system. We are of the view that maintaining clean system and having a faith to our leaders is utmost important than looting the public properties like Prados. Do you (PM) think we can have unity and harmony if leaders keep on looting? Do you think there will be social cohesion and equity, if there is daylight robbery like this? This is not the correct way to compare with the vehicle quota? This is gross misuse of power and Ministers abusing the flaw of the weak structural system we have. Ministers would not like to correct this flawed system because they want to exploit it to satisfy their temptations and greed. If there is no proper check and balance system in place, these Ministers will always exploit to benefit themselves and put our HM in awkward situation by asking kiddy/soelra. Shame on these beggars although they hold the position of Ministers, you have the guts to ask for kidu/soelra, it goes well if kidu/soelra is asked by the needy people. Remember that kidu/soelra if given to unfortunate ones and poor people will be appreciated. If kidu /soelra is given to rich and the powerful it signifies the collusion amongst the people in power and common citizens will view this very negatively and the reaction of the public will be very intense and strong.
This is a food for thought for all of us, but we need the Prados back, whether OL, DPT or NC chairperson, there is no excuse for them to take Prados, this is highly objectionable. It is the responsibility of PM to guide the DPT beggars instead of asking kidu/soelra from HM. Rupee crisis, common people not able to meet their basic needs and Ministers getting soelra/kidu-the biggest joke in the democratic history of ours, hope some common sense will prevail on them and initiate to return Prados. We are seriously saying, we are losing our faith to the system that was once highly regarded.
To our honourable PM, we are losing our faith in you, may be you have served this nation for many decades and how many Prados and Land cruisers you would have taken both officially and without the public notice during these tenure. We had been a staunch supporter of you personally and the DPT. But our faith in you is beginning to genuinely fading slowly because of your vested interest and most importantly the last incidence of PRADOA issue make us shame. We even cannot think that you could become so cheap and greedy to ask soelra and kidu from HM when the country is running Rupee crisis, when common people are finding difficult to meet their basic needs. You could have graciously resigned with clean manner without any polluted baggage. Certainly your end of this five year was very bad, we have still hope that some lights and wisdom will prevail on you and that DPT will return Prados and Land cruisers.
Honorable PM, 5 to 10 years ago when the nation was under the monarchical system, Prados were granted to Ministers for different purpose and need and it was ok, but this cannot be continued under a democratic and different system for obvious reasons- rupee crisis, increased people’s voice, accountability to the constituencies and all this makes people to question the government. That is why Ministers and government have to be more careful and sensitive to the views and opinion of the public and important to remain clean to garner the public support and to increase the credibility and image of the government and the country. PM need to learn the long term interest of the nation instead of killing the goose at one go!!!! Prados and Land cruisers are properties of the people of Bhutan and these DPT Ministers and Thrizin cannot just rob us. Of all these days, we were proud that we have the best system in the South Asia region, we are losing this pride because of our inability of the Ministers to satisfy their greed.
So far we respected our leaders of our country, we respected our country, now we are beginning to rethink the types of leaders ruling us. We are seeing now daylight robbery, Ministers cannot just become thick skin and insensitive to the views and opinions of the public. A time may come when you will regret for misusing the power and for looting the public properties including the Prados. We will ensure that this property is returned and we will continue to hard press those looters of Prados, this is no joke- we are angry with the Ministers for robbing the Prados. We wish to see Parados are returned within this week or two. These Prados are not meant for them to ride during their campaign. That is why, we are saying if the people at the top collude and loot the public properties, the loyal citizens will lose faith in the system. We are of the view that maintaining clean system and having a faith to our leaders is utmost important than looting the public properties like Prados. Do you (PM) think we can have unity and harmony if leaders keep on looting? Do you think there will be social cohesion and equity, if there is daylight robbery like this? This is not the correct way to compare with the vehicle quota? This is gross misuse of power and Ministers abusing the flaw of the weak structural system we have. Ministers would not like to correct this flawed system because they want to exploit it to satisfy their temptations and greed. If there is no proper check and balance system in place, these Ministers will always exploit to benefit themselves and put our HM in awkward situation by asking kiddy/soelra. Shame on these beggars although they hold the position of Ministers, you have the guts to ask for kidu/soelra, it goes well if kidu/soelra is asked by the needy people. Remember that kidu/soelra if given to unfortunate ones and poor people will be appreciated. If kidu /soelra is given to rich and the powerful it signifies the collusion amongst the people in power and common citizens will view this very negatively and the reaction of the public will be very intense and strong.
This is a food for thought for all of us, but we need the Prados back, whether OL, DPT or NC chairperson, there is no excuse for them to take Prados, this is highly objectionable. It is the responsibility of PM to guide the DPT beggars instead of asking kidu/soelra from HM. Rupee crisis, common people not able to meet their basic needs and Ministers getting soelra/kidu-the biggest joke in the democratic history of ours, hope some common sense will prevail on them and initiate to return Prados. We are seriously saying, we are losing our faith to the system that was once highly regarded.
songkay said:
That’s the way to do it. Setting good examples by Opposition.
Why it has to be OL n Damchoe only and always. Leaders should weigh the pros n
cons. At this time they should give back the vehicles. Or may be the
sentimental attachment accompanied by material attachment supersede the moral n
ethical aspects of a human character. Hats-off
speakingcat apprised:
Congratulations to both the OL and Damchoe Dorji. It is
indeed a noble deed. It has nothing to do with politics. It is because you two
are politicians that every different work initiated by you two seems to be
political in nature.
Sangaydorji commented:
“DPT said soelra is not new but an integral part of Bhutan’s
culture”..This integral part of Bhutan’s culture to reward, in terms of soelra,
only those in power, politically and economically should be really done away
with in the larger interest of the poor population of the country. This has
been one of the most important pillars of flourishing gross national
corruptions, nepotism and sycophancy in the country so for long.
“stooping to the lowest common denominator” is what we expect
from our leaders so that ill-visioned, high profile project like that of IT
part should be avoided in future. Instead, we would wished for those low
profile project that are vital to we common people. We want development
activities relevant to us.
Anyway, who could have imagined to attract foreign
investment, specifically in IT and related field, in one of the,
technologically, least developed country on the earth, if not for our bunch of
idiots.
phew noted down:
“total disrespect for the countless Bhutanese people, who
struggle to meet their daily sustenance.”…very true, enough of politician
wants!!
We( citizen ) have enough of
1) vegetable growing activities
2)driving 2nd hand vehicles
3) Rs 80 = Nu 100
4)2nd pay increment
1) vegetable growing activities
2)driving 2nd hand vehicles
3) Rs 80 = Nu 100
4)2nd pay increment
From
The Bhutanese:
Flabbergasted wrote:
Budget for their cars: Nu. 52million
PIT : Nu. 925million
PIT : Nu. 925million
Yes, 5.5% of our PIT gone to buy new cars because of these
guys.
Does anyone know how much it costs to construct a farm road?
a school? provide safe drinking water?
Truth said:
sorry, not only Prados, but laptop, i-phone, fax, extension
cord boxes, panel heater and even flower pots.
kk
had written:
i know for sure, they wont take the flower pots, power
extension cords, brooms, dustbins, spitoons.
citizenxiii
commented:
given our country’s reserve position lets see what our new
government and the parliamentarians would demand……. Tsawa sum at test!
Farang
said:
I am utterly dismayed by this news. I did not expect our
leaders have such greed. I toil hard, and yet, I find it hard to sustain a
family and so on. Yes, these ministers have served the country, but people like
us are also serving the country in our own little ways and according to the
level of salaries and perks we get. Iam losing my faith in the governance and
political development in the country. I think the resigning ministers should
reconsider giving up the prados, which I think is public property. It is
interesting to note that some of us have not been able to hitch a ride on the
office pool vehicles even for official purposes. We have been using our own
maruti cars and altos to attend many official meetings.
Mingyur
posted saying:
X ministers milking the properties of Bhutanese people even
when their mandate has coming to the end. It is shame that these rich people
have basked befor his majesty for the cars and even office furnitures. This is
not fair on people and to put HM in awkward position despite his graciousness.
Kidus are only meant for the poor and needy yet these bunch of crooked
ministers have the audacity to ask HM for the govt cars. They have grabbed lands,
given million contracts to their near ones and duped people with so many sweet
talking and had given themselves immense perks dying their office yrs, and they
still seem bent on grabbing more wealth from the public. This is shame and
their real face!!! Pls think twice before you vote again now. You hv seen the
real face now!!
Sunmoom
posted:
To fact of fake, the one who encourages looting the
properties of Bhutan, Prados are properties of the people of Bhutan and these
DPT Ministers, OL, and Thrizin cannot just rob us. We just cannot imagine the
system we have. Of all these days, we were proud that we have the best system
in the South Asia region, we are losing this pride because of our inability of
the Ministers to satisfy their greed.
Ours is a small nation, we cannot play like Bangladesh and
India or Nepal, anything we do in Bhutan has dire consequences because of its
smallness, so there is every reason and logic to be sensitive to the public
opinion and leaders must refrain from cheating and looting the public. If fact
or fake is in the likes of looting the public your days are not far behind, you
will soon catch up with those people convicted by the Courts one day or the
other including the Ministers if they don’t surrender the Prados. We say this
with very clear conviction, we will also talk this with all the people that
matter to Bhutan if these goons have no shame. So far we respected our leaders
of our country, we respected our country, now we are beginning to rethink the
types of leaders ruling us. We are seeing now day light robbery, fake or fact
cannot just become thick skin and insensitive to the views and opinions of the
public. A time may come when you will regret for misusing the power and for
looting the public properties including the Prados. We will ensure that this
property is returned and we will continue to hard press those looters of
Prados, this is no joke- we are angry with the Ministers for robbing the
Prados. We wish to see Parados are returned within this week or two. These
Prados are not meant for them to ride during their campaign. That is why, fake
or fact, we are saying if the people at the top collude and loot the public
properties, the loyal citizens will lose faith in the system. We are of the
view that maintaining clean system and having a faith to our leaders is utmost
important than looting the public properties like Prados. Do you (fake or fact)
think we can have unity and harmony if leaders keep on looting? Do you think
there will be social cohesion and equity, if there is daylight robbery like
this? This is not the correct way to compare with the vehicle quota? This is
gross misuse of power and Ministers abusing the flaw of the weak structural
system we have. Ministers would not like to correct this flawed system because
they want to exploit it to satisfy their temptations and greed. If there is no
proper check and balance system in place, these Ministers will always exploit
to benefit themselves.
This is a food for thought for all of us, but we need the
Prados back, whether OL, DPT or NC chairperson, there is no excuse for them to
take Prados even if they were granted by the King, this is highly
objectionable. Rupee crisis, common people not able to meet their basic needs
and Ministers getting soelra/kidu-the biggest joke in the democratic history of
ours, hope some common sense will prevail on them and initiate to return
Prados. We are seriously saying, we are losing our faith to the system that was
once highly regarded.
May be under the monarchical system, Prados were granted for
different purpose and need, but this cannot be under a different system for
obvious reasons- rupee crisis, increased people’s voice, accountability to the
constituencies and all this makes people to question the government. That is
why Ministers and government have to be more careful and sensitive to the views
and opinion of the public and important to remain clean to garner the public
support and to increase the credibility and image of the government and the
country. Fake or fact you got to learn the long term interest of the nation
instead of killing the goose at one go!!!!
Kancho
wrote:
If this trends of soelra continues: It may only be good for
few and rich people and bad for other poor people. we common people need to
collectively think about it and raise our views and concerns accordingly in an
appropriate platform: we must make a right choice when we vote for a new
government in 2013.
Chhu yesalu chhap tsap!! interesting to hear “PRADO AS Soielra” what is next now????
Chhu yesalu chhap tsap!! interesting to hear “PRADO AS Soielra” what is next now????
valcient
commented:
Its sad to see that Bhutan is creating such precedent. In one
had, we say we are poor, but if such things happens and we are not aware of
this, one day.. for sure .. we can see ourself in a very tight and complicated
situation. I just pray that we realize this, before it is too late.
People of Bhutan should be aware that every penny counts, and
this comes from the pocket of individual in terms of taxes. Good check and
balance should be maintain and we as bhutanese should be a team and drive the
country forward towards development. Minimizing internal expenses of the
country will add up to the economy of the country, and this should be well
understood by our leaders.
Such trend would prevail, and at the end we the nation would
be the sufferers. As a employee of a firm, we are never rewarded with any
office belongings, and the same must prevail for every employee of this nation,
These things belong to the people of Bhutan, and must be returned after been
used. WE ARE HERE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE, AND NOT LET THE PEOPLE SERVE AND SUFFER
FOR US.
Dhamteng wrote:
What the OL did recently – give up his lyonpo scarf and
surrendering of his Prados is the type of quality of leadership lacking in
Bhutan inspite of all the efforts our Kings have made during monarchy time and
even now.
The qualities exhibited by the OL show he is now ready to
lead the next government. This election we youth need to make our voices and
choices heard.
kadola
wrote:
Thanks to OL for surrendering his Prado. …rich are becoming
richer and poor are becoming poorer in Bhutan. middle and low income group
Government servants who have served the Tsa-Wa sum with full dedication for
more than 2-4 decades can also ask for soelra. They are the main Engine of
Government
Machinery. They are the real unsung heroes.
Machinery. They are the real unsung heroes.
future posted saying:
i am glade we have selfless citizen like the former
opposition leader. i love it and hope to understand many bhutanese through such
understanding. as a civil servant i earn Nu. 15000 in a month, out of which, i
contribute Nu.1500 as a pit to the national wealth. in a year i have net
disposable income of Nu. 162000; just 6.5% of their one time solra. very
amazing and worrying for all times.
i thirst for a leader like opposition leader and i would vote and urge to vote him on…cheers opposition leader, we want what you did.
my fellow bhutanese, lets be mindful of our contribution -pvt. employees, corporate employees, civil servants and the employers, and exercise our right. lets make bhutan a beautiful place to live in and lets enjoy the benefit of our contribution to the government. m fade-up with the old time ruling strategy of the DPT……..sorry.
i thirst for a leader like opposition leader and i would vote and urge to vote him on…cheers opposition leader, we want what you did.
my fellow bhutanese, lets be mindful of our contribution -pvt. employees, corporate employees, civil servants and the employers, and exercise our right. lets make bhutan a beautiful place to live in and lets enjoy the benefit of our contribution to the government. m fade-up with the old time ruling strategy of the DPT……..sorry.
