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1. Gross National Happiness Policy Outputs in Bhutan from 1972 to 2014*

Author:
Michael Givel
Publication Date:
10-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
In 1972, Bhutan’s Fourth King declared Gross National Happiness (GNH) more important than Gross Domestic Product. But what was the nature of GNH legislation policy outputs before and after the adoption of the written 2008 Bhutanese Constitution that required that Bhutan to promote GNH as a national policy goal? This study examines from 1972 to 2014 (six years after the adoption of the Bhutan Constitution) GNH policy outputs. There were two stages related to Bhutan’s four pillars that include sustainable and equitable economic development, good governance, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. In the first stage lasting to the 1990s, Bhutanese policy outputs emphasized preserving traditional culture. In the second phase from the 1990s to 2014, Bhutanese policy outputs emphasized Buddhist modernism in which all four pillars balanced traditional Buddhist values with modern issues like health care and illiteracy.
Topic:
Culture, Constitution, History, Legislation, Public Policy, and Gross National Happiness (GNH)
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

2. Innovation and Economic Value: A Prospective Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Fab Bhutan Challenge

Author:
Milan Thomas
Publication Date:
10-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
National governments and international donors fund challenge competitions to foster innovation, but there is little evidence on the economic return to such investments. This paper conducts an ex-ante benefit-cost analysis to project the economic return on the 2023 Fab Bhutan Challenge, which was part of FAB23 Bhutan (the 19th annual international Fab Lab Conference). For the Challenge benefits side of the analysis, studies covering five topics were drawn from: crop yield improvements from climate adaptation (for Challenge 1 in Sarpang), cost and time savings from improved water supply (for Challenge 2 in Pangbisa), livelihood savings from human-wildlife conflict prevention (Challenge 3 in Limbukha Chiwog), revenue generation from cultural exports (Challenge 4 in Thimphu), and economic returns from special needs education (Challenge 5 in Rinchending). For the Challenge costs side, budget data were collected and interviews with challenge participants were conducted. Conservative estimates that account for the probability of some challenge solutions ultimately being nonviable place the economic return to Bhutan between $5 and $12 per dollar invested. The paper concludes by discussing opportunities for scaling solutions from the structured innovation challenge based on the global evidence, and implications of the study for Bhutan’s economic aspirations.
Topic:
Agriculture, Economics, Labor Issues, Water, Innovation, Productivity, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Human-Wildlife Conflict, and Special Education
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

3. Teacher Attrition: Why do Public Teachers Leave?

Author:
Yangchen C. Rinzin
Publication Date:
10-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
In last six years, more than 300 Bhutanese public teachers left the profession annually on average. Teacher attrition has often been assumed as leaving the profession for better opportunities. Teachers leaving jobs has been discussed several times but never tried to understand the factors leading to attrition. This study explores the possible factors leading to teacher attrition from former teachers’ perspectives, who left the profession voluntarily. The study also aims to get views on what could be the ultimate solution to keep teachers in the field. A mix mode method of qualitative and quantitative research was adopted. A quantitative method was used with the objective to get the true perspectives from respondents regarding teacher attrition. The study was conducted in Bhutan in December 2021. The study determined heavy workload, unsatisfied with the job, lack of career mobility, poor leadership, and poor working conditions were major reasons for attrition. Contradicting what many assumed salaries as a major reason, respondents responded otherwise. The paper concludes that until there is job motivation or better working conditions along with the good incentives or remunerations, a mere increase in the salary is not going to make teaching profession attractive.
Topic:
Education, Teachers, Schools, Professions, and Attrition
Political Geography:
Bhutan

4. The 21st Century Global Crisis: Laying out the Foundations for a New World Civilization

Author:
Jorge Armand
Publication Date:
10-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
The article focuses on principal traits of modern culture, i.e., on what we term the foundational cultural myths of Modernity, and to examine the role these myths have played in the contemporary crisis. A set of new epistemological insights is outlined that would be needed to understand and to act upon the root causes of this crisis, such as the oneness of Reality, the diversity within the oneness of Reality, the impermanency of all phenomena and the relativity of time and space. In this context, the actual functionability of modernity’s myth is questioned (the Myth of Eternal Progress) and its concrete manifestation as a model of social development based on the perennial increase of economic growth, i.e., industrial production and consumerism, in detriment of fundamental values, which we believe are the origin of both that existential system and the current global crisis. As a substitution, a model of development, Optimizing Homeostatic Paradigm, is proposed. This implies dismantling all policies of unrestricted economic growth and the replacement of Gross Domestic Production (GDP) as the standard measure of social development and human progress. The criticism that limitation of economic growth would reduce economic activity and would foster loss of employment, therefore more poverty, is refuted. In this theoretical framework, the concepts of human freedom, development and technology are revised, and new ones are proposed. Finally, Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) index is shown as an example of alternative model of development, and inspiration for a new kind of world civilization.
Topic:
Culture, Crisis Management, Modernity, and Gross National Happiness (GNH)
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

5. And Now What? The Life, Status, and Education of Newly Fully Ordained Nuns in Bhutan

Author:
Dorji Gyeltshen and Lauran Hartley
Publication Date:
12-2023
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University
Abstract:
This talk communicates the findings of a research project on the evolution of monastic education in the 21st century, in particular, for contemporary nuns in Bhutan. On June 23, 2022, the 70th Je Khenpo, Tulku Jigme Chodrak, at the request of the king of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and in an event organized by the Bhutan Nuns Foundation, conducted a bhikṣuṇī ordination to 144 nuns, restoring the Mūlasarvāstivāda female lineage in the Himalayan tradition. It is difficult to understate the importance of this event since, by most accounts, bhikṣuṇī ordination had never been introduced to Tibet or Bhutan, and nuns have only had access to novice status since the introduction of Buddhism in the region in the 7th Century. The goal of this talk is to discuss how Bhutanese nuns were able to develop a pragmatic discourse that allowed them to achieve this historical accomplishment, and how the newly achieved bhikṣuṇī status has impacted the lives of Bhutanese nuns and nunneries.
Topic:
Religion, History, Buddhism, and Nuns
Political Geography:
Asia and Bhutan

6. Impact of Climate Change on Communities in Phobji and Gangtey valley in Bhutan

Author:
Tshering Yangden
Publication Date:
06-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
While Bhutan is a carbon-negative country, it still is under constant threats of climate change as it compasses global warming. The most significant impact is the melting of glaciers which has led to the loss of livelihoods including human lives. As Bhutan is a country with dramatic variations of elevation with hot and humid weather in the south to cooler regions in the north, different regions are subjected to different impacts of climate change. Using a qualitative method of research, this study examines the impact of climate change in Phobji and Gangtey Valley under Wangdue Phodrang district in Bhutan, a popular tourist and conservation spot. Previous studies in the same place have concentrated on the impact of climate change on conservation efforts and no studies have been found on the impact of climate change on other forms. This study found that climate change impacted crop cultivation, livestock, gender, and food security. Besides the negative impacts, positive impacts such as the introduction of a new variety of vegetables in greenhouses due to the rise in temperature that leads to improvement of food security have been observed.
Topic:
Climate Change, Food Security, Livelihoods, and Gender
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

7. Yak Herding as the Main Source of Livelihood: Examining Challenges and Opportunities of Highlanders in Bhutan

Author:
Sonam Wangdi, Kelly Tobden Dorji Tamang, Pelden Wangchuk, and Sherub
Publication Date:
06-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
Yak farming is the mainstays of nomadic herders’ economy in Bhutan. However, it has declined over the years despite diverse government interventions. Rapid socio-economic development and access to economic opportunities further hindered yak farming culture rather than helping to maintain highlanders’ livelihood. The study was carried out in four gewogs, Chhoekhor, Sephu, Merak and Sakteng, that depends on yaks for their living. Questionnaire based semi-structured interview was conducted to identify the main challenges and opportunities of yak herding within the different regions and examined the cost-benefit of herding yaks within the premises of nomadic herder’s livelihood sustenance. The study revealed that yak farming generates sufficient income to support the herders’ livelihood even though the profit margin was minimal. Around 90% of herders earned cash income from yaks. Dry cheese was the main revenue generator of Chhoekhor and Sephu, while fermented cheese earnt the highest income in Merak and Sephu. Yaks not only serve as the primary source of livelihood but also acts as a catalyst to generate additional income by gaining access to natural resources such as Cordyceps and herbal medicines. However, increased wildlife depredation on yaks and inadequate pastureland coupled with poor modern amenities threatened yak farming. The findings showed a declining trend in total yak population and number of yak-owning households particularly in Chhoekhor and Sephu compared to Merak and Sakteng. The future of yak farming in Bhutan is uncertain, but there is potential to address the challenges and ensure its continued importance to Bhutanese highlanders.
Topic:
Socioeconomics, Livelihoods, Income, Animal Husbandry, and Yak Farming
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

8. Understanding the Experiences of Dropouts During COVID-19 Pandemic School Closure: A Qualitative Study

Author:
Sonam Wangmo, Dorji S., and Cheku
Publication Date:
06-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
This study explores the teaching learning experiences of school dropouts during pandemic school closure as well as the factors that influenced them to leave the school. The factors affecting dropouts during pandemic school closure were rarely studied in Bhutan. This study employed phenomenology as its method. A total participants of 12 dropouts of the year 2020, four parents, four teachers and four school principals were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. The data was collected with semi-structured interviews consisting of four research questions. The collected interview data was transcribed and analyzed by following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step framework. The findings demonstrate that abrupt school closures necessitated the use of online learning as a means of ensuring that education continued. However, there were concerns about student participation in online learning using digital platforms due to students’ socioeconomic and technological challenges. These challenges were found to have been the cause of their dropping out of the schools. Students’ socioeconomic background of their parents compelled them to provide support to their parents in the socioeconomic activities, thus, impacting their participation in the regular academic activities. According to the interview, variables that contributed to dropouts included socioeconomic issues, unfinished assignments, difficulties understanding lessons, lack of enthusiasm, a lack of smartphones and poor internet connectivity, pregnancy, and relationships. The study also identified online teaching pedagogy employed by the teachers as a significant contributor to student attrition. Though the study is limited to a district, the findings recommend the need to improve technological access, provide digital equipment and reasonably priced internet to underprivileged students and provide professional development programs for teachers on technical skills to improve their competency in using online apps for effective online teaching.
Topic:
Education, Science and Technology, Internet, COVID-19, and Dropout Prevention
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

9. Journalist Attrition and its Expected Impact on Democracy in Bhutan

Author:
Yangchen C. Rinzin
Publication Date:
06-2023
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
According to the human resources records of Kuensel, the number of journalists fell by 37 percent from 2021 to 2023, with only 4 out of 15 vacancies filled over the past two years. Other agencies are experiencing similar workforce challenges. While the departure of educators, civil servants, and health professionals has been featured in the headlines over the past year, little attention has been devoted to the attrition ongoing in the media itself. To understand the issues driving journalists out of the profession, a survey of a non-random sample was conducted of 63 professionals who worked as a journalist in the past five years. While 32 had left the profession, 31 stayed in the media. Of those who left the profession, 66 percent left in the past two years, and 44 percent left the country (for Australia in almost all cases). The rest remain in Bhutan but are no longer working as journalists. Of the leavers, 19 per cent are now unemployed, while the other 81 percent have moved on to new jobs, notably including teaching (in Bhutan) and aged care (in Australia). When asked about reasons for leaving the profession, low salary and lack of professional development came out as the most common complaints. Of the stayers, 40 percent expressed dissatisfaction with their pay, and 43 percent claimed to be actively searching for ways to change their employment status. This study reflects on the implications of the survey findings for the future of media and its relationship with democracy in Bhutan.
Topic:
Democracy, Media, Journalism, and Attrition
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

10. Dumping the Jewel in the River: Renewing and Perpetuating the Memory of Bhutanese Statehood in Punakha Domchoe

Author:
Sonam Kinga
Publication Date:
12-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
Theatrical re-enactments of historical battles characterize some local festivals in western Bhutan in contrast to the largely Buddhist mask dances that are performed during such festivals elsewhere in the country. They serve as medium of recording, renewing and transmitting the memory of historic moments in the life of spiritual and political leaders. For example, the festival of Nangkar Dog (snang-dkar bzlog) in Chang village, Paro is dedicated to commemorate the victory of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo over his spiritual adversary called Lama Lhapa (Zangpo, 2003). Lo-ju (blo-‘gyur) is another festival celebrated every three years in villages of Wangdue Phodrang. It is ‘an articulate narrative of the events leading up to the formation of the Drukpa state by conquering hostile forces…’ (Chophel, 2003, p.85). Punakha Drubchen (spungs-thang sgrub-chen) popularly known as Punakha Domchoe (hereafter domchoe) theatrically re-enacts a historic battle that the Bhutanese fought against Tibetan forces in 1649. Dochula Tshechu is a very recent innovation that recounts Bhutan’s military operation in 2003 against Indian militants (David & Samuel, 2016). The domchoe is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the first month of the lunar calendar. It begins with fifteen days of sacred prayers and mask dances inside the congregation hall or dukhang (‘du-khang) of the magnificent Punakha Dzong, which was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (hereafter Zhabdrung Rinpoche) between 1639-40. Known as Goenwang Drubchen (mgon-dbang sgrub-chen), it is followed by three days of martial performances by people dressed as traditional militia called pazangpas (dpa’-mdzangspa - hereafter pazaps) to commemorate and re-enact the military victory in 1649. Both folk and mask dances are performed during the domchoe alongside the pazaps’ performances. The most significant episode of the domchoe with which it concludes involves immersion of multi-coloured sacred substances used as base of the mandala made for Goenwang Drubchen. This moment of dumping of jewel in the Mochu (mo-chu) river and three days of pazaps’ performances record and renew the memory as well as transmit the narrative of that historic victory to both the performers and the audience. The focus may be that particular battle but the overall narrative of the domchoe recounted through songs and dances also record, perpetuate and transmit the memory of the founding of Bhutanese state by Zhabdrung Rinpoche. In this article, I examine how this narrative is constructed and re-told in Punakha Domchoe. I argue that this local festival has transformed into a state-sponsored national ritual that serves important political objective of keeping alive, perpetuating and transmitting the memory of the founding of Bhutanese State.
Topic:
History, Culture, Theater, and Festivals
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan