KUENSEL THAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED

T U E S D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 0

Vendors to
move out
of CFM in
2 months
... by then vegeta-
ble markets in the
zones would be
complete 
Yangyel Lhaden

In two months, all vendors

operating at the Centenary
Farmers Market (CFM) in
Thimphu will move out to
their designated vegetable
markets in various zones
across the thromde.
CFM is identified as a
high-risk area during the
Back to school again:
pandemic and the increasing
urbanisation, and population

Students returning
density at the CFM remain

Inside
significant issues increasing
the burden on the city’s infra-
structure. 

from high-risk areas

Thimphu Thrompon, Kin- HOME
lay Dorjee said that the deci-
NC seeks clarification
sion to move vegetable ven-
on government’s

to be quarantined
dors would decongest CFM,
nomination of SG to
and allow the government to
BIMSTEC  Pg 3
convert it into a commercial
space which would not attract
as much a crowd as CFM did. Yangchen C Rinzin  tions are still operating in self- of now. 
Weather

Thimphu thromde is
working on to relocate ven-
dors of CFM to various zones
and multi-level parking build-
ings.  had informed principals and
On Sunday, around 200
vegetable vendors and around
150 local produce vendors
participated in a lucky draw
for the new locations in the
zones. Vendors selling dairy
products, dry fish, cereals
and others would participate
C
lasses for X and
XII re-opened
from yester-
day except for
schools in Sar-
pang, Samtse and Samdrup-
jongkhar thromdes, which are
still considered as a high-risk
area.  could ask the students to join
Schools in the south will
have to wait until the “unlock-
ing” procedures are complete
containment, according to the
education ministry’s director,
Kinley Gyeltshen.  where schools have remained
He said that the ministry
teachers to keep following up
so that if situation improved
after following government’s
directives on relaxation, they
schools.  and travel back to school.
Since the two institutions
worked on the frontline and
Classes for IX and XI will
begin from September 21
closed since March. 
THIMPHU
With many students back
home and residing in various
dzongkhags, Kinley Gyeltshen
said that respective dzong-
23
MAX
14
MIN
khag’s Covid-19 taskforce
would help students register
 
However, he said that those
students returning from high-

in the lucky draw for the new
locations today.
The construction of new
vegetable markets in zones is
expected to complete within
two months.  Pg 2
22 15
to begin classes.  were exposed, they are kept risk to low risk would have to
However, students resid- under self-containment since undergo seven-day mandatory
ing inside the Royal Bhutan the nationwide lockdown and quarantine as per the health
Army and Royal Bhutan Police the associated risk. They will ministry’s protocol. After seven MAX MIN
areas will have to wait to join operate under self-contain- days, a Covid-19 test would be
schools since the two institu- ment until September 17 as carried out.   Pg 2
HOME
PAGE 2 Tuesday, September 15, 2020| KUENSEL
Students returning from high-risk
areas to be quarantined
From Pg 1
Kinley Gyeltshen said that
students travelling from high-
risk to high-risk areas or low-
risk to low-risk areas would
not be quarantine or undergo
Covid-19 testing.
Students residing in
high-risk areas, especially in
Phuentsholing, would be sent
directly to school after com-
pletion of the quarantine peri-
od. Buses would be arranged,
but students will have to bear
the bus fare.  based on the space and weath-
Students from the red zone
containment areas in Phuent-
sholing will also be allowed
to register and travel after a
week of quarantine, as per the
Covid-19 taskforce notifica-
tion.  Students of Norbu Acad-
This would also apply to
students who would be re-
turning to colleges outside.
But students of Gedu College
of Business Administration
would be quarantined in Gedu
while students from red zone
containment area will be quar-
antined in Phuentsholing.  public school students, which
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Sept 15, 2020
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UCL 2019/20 HLs
UFC Fight Night
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The Final Destination
This Means War
G-Force
Robots
The ministry did not have
a record of the total number
of students stranded in other
dzongkhags.  March and Classes IX and XI
Meanwhile, students of
Phuentsholing were relocated
yesterday to Punakha and
Wangdue after students and staff
tested negative for Covid-19. 
Education ministry’s offici-
ating director-general, Kinley
Gyeltshen, said that these two
dzongkhags were selected fol-
lowing several meetings and
er. “If we move them to a cold
place, the students would not
be able to adjust. The schools
also have adequate space to
accommodate students and
teachers.”
emy, a private school, will
be sent to Dorokha Central
School in Samtse where the
ministry will arrange bedding
and food.
Kinley Tshering said that
the ministry would also pro-
vide a stipend of Nu 1,500 like
9am
10am
3:30pm
12:30pm
5:50pm
6:30pm
2:30pm
7pm
10:30pm
1:30pm
2:30pm
7:30pm
11:40am
7:10pm
11:59pm
1pm
4:30pm
11:30pm
would be used for food.  in February.   ber. The education ministry
The examination for
Classes X and XII will be in
Vendors to move out of CFM in 2 months
CFM will be closed in two months
From Pg 1
The thrompon said that
considering the urgency of
vegetable vendors to sell their
goods; the thromde was work-
ing round the clock to ensure
everything completes on time.
One market will be in Mo-
tithang above fuel station with
space for about 40 vendors, two
at Babesa - above and below
expressway, and parking area
above Changbangdu vegetable
market.
The vendors who got the
new locations - multi-level
parking buildings would be able
to begin selling their products
Overhead bridge construction in
Olakha is likely to resume next week
Yeshey Lhadon
Construction of the country’s
first overhead bridge at Olakha
in Thimphu is expected to re-
sume next week after it remained
suspended since the announce-
ment of lockdown.
Thimphu Thrompon, Kinlay
Dorjee said, “We lost the mo-
mentum and some labourers
because of the lockdown.”
The expatriate labourers
have returned home while few
Bhutanese workers went to their
village during the lockdown.
The contractor of the over-
head bridge project will recruit
some foreign workers while the
Bhutanese workers will return
after the blessed rainy day holi-
day.
However, the academic
session for Classes PP-VIII
will be completed by Novem-
from today. The vendors who
got new areas at zones would
be allowed to sell at CFM until
the construction of vegetable
markets in zones complete.
Thrompon Kinlay Dorjee
said that the size of vegetable
markets at zones would depend
on the space and population
density.  with the thromde, which would
“We are proposing to build
another structure at Chang Gi-
daphu for about 16 vendors.”
The thrompon said that in
zones with low population den-
sity, the thromde would build a
few shops to ensure people had
access to vegetables in case of a
The pedestrian bridge is being
built to reduce road accidents
and streamline traffic movement.
“Overhead bridges will help the
traffic flow and pedestrian safety,”
said the thrompon.
The project is worth Nu 3
million.
However, the Covid-19
health safety protocol could in-
crease the project cost. Throm-
pon Kinlay Dorjee said, “The
suspension of construction will
not only push back the comple-
tion schedule but also increase
the overhead cost of the project.”
If this project is successful,
thromde plans to build some
more overhead bridges along the
Thimphu-Babesa expressway.
Thimphu thromde has iden-
tified a few strategic locations
will announce enrolment for
new students in Class PP sub-
sequently. 
lockdown.
The vegetable markets at
various zones will sell all the
products which were available
at the CFM. The thrompon said
that there would not be whole-
salers anymore and products
would be procured from the
dzongkhags in collaboration
ensure all zones get the same
quality and price of products. 
“Unlike in the past, there
would not be a hierarchy of
supply chain, and the people
would only have to bear trans-
portation charges.” 
along the expressway. Places
with high population density
on both sides of the expressway
and the school areas would be
chosen.
For instance, an overhead
bridge could be built near Dr
Tobgyel School, in front of
Shearee Square, near Changjiji
school, Changbangdu, and near
Deki School in Changzamtog.
“Such overhead bridges will
allow schoolchildren to cross the
road safely,” said Kinlay Dorjee.
The earthquake-resistant
bridge will be 5.2 metres high,
and 25 metres long and exhibit
Bhutanese architecture.
The overpass bridge con-
struction work which started in
June is expected to end by De-
cember.
 HOME
Tuesday, September 15, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3

NC seeks clarification on government’s

nomination of SG to BIMSTEC
Good Governance Committee reviewing nomination
Staff Reporter
The government’s decision to
nominate Tenzin Lekphel as the
Secretary General (SG) of BIM-
STEC has now come under the
radar of the National Council.
The Good Governance
Committee of the National
Council has written to the
foreign ministry seeking clari-
fication on the criteria set for
nominating the candidate from
Bhutan, if the post was adver-
tised in a transparent manner
and if other candidates were
also considered.
The letter addressed to the
foreign secretary stated that,
“In the interest of promoting
good governance and uphold-
ing the values of democracy,
the National Council, as the
House of review felt the need
to review the issue.” The NC
directed its Good Governance
Committee to write to the for-
eign ministry.
The Committee is also
seeking details on the creden-
tials of the past SGs of BIM-
STEC and SAARC Secretariats,
as the two positions are filed
with nominations from mem-
ber countries on a rotation
basis.
A foreign ministry official
confirmed receiving the let-
ter, but said that they had not
responded as of last evening.
They have however, com-
pleted processing the nomi-
nation based on government
directives. The 21st session of
the BIMSTEC Senior Officials
Meeting on September 2 has
accepted the nomination of the
candidate. It was Bhutan’s turn
to nominate.
Kuensel learnt that there
are no written criteria or min-
utes circulated among mem-
ber countries for the appoint-
ment of BIMSTEC’s secretary
general. A former BIMSTEC
official said that while there
is no set criteria, the general
understanding is that member
countries presumed the nomi-
nating country has identified
and nominated “the most
prominent public figure or the
senior most bureaucrat or dip-
lomat who served in the foreign
ministry.”
“Since the SG has to inter-
act with ambassadors not only
from the member countries but
also from around the world, he
or she should be highly quali-
fied and should have served as
secretary, ambassador or even
as a minister,” he said.
On the credentials of for-
mer BIMSTEC secretary gen-
erals, the People Democratic
Party (PDP) in a press release
issued on September 7, urged
the government to review the
nomination of its candidate.
PDP stated that both the for-
mer secretary generals served
as ambassadors and were ex-
perienced diplomats prior to
their appointment.
The first SG of BIMSTEC,
from August 2014 to September
2017, Sumith Nakandala of Sri
Lanka served as ambassador of
Sri Lanka to Nepal from 2006,
Deputy High Commissioner of
Sri Lanka to the UK from 2008,
and ambassador of Sri Lanka to
Iraq prior to his appointment.
The outgoing Secretary
General, Shahidul Islam of
Bangladesh, was the ambas-
sador of Bangladesh to South
Korea and France prior to his
appointment as Secretary Gen-
eral. He has been appointed
the next ambassador of Bang-
ladesh to the United States.
“While Bhutan is not bound
by practices of other countries
in the nomination of our can-
didate for Secretary General
of BIMSTEC, the nomination
and appointment by Sri Lanka
and Bangladesh of experienced
diplomats and ambassadors
as Secretary Generals of BIM-
STEC speaks volumes on the
importance attached to the role
of the Secretary General,” PDP
stated in its press release.
Meanwhile, Tenzin Le-
kphel is still an active member
of the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa
as of yesterday. An official from
the Election Commission of
Bhutan confirmed that Tenzin
Lekphel, one of the founding
members of DNT had not re-
signed.

New stockyard in Gelephu to facilitate

safe boulder export
Nima | Gelephu sumed the export of boulders
for one day before the nation-
Exporters in Gelephu are close wide lockdown was imposed
to completing the ground de- last month.
velopment works for the stock- Around six truckloads of
yard near the industrial service boulders were exported that
centre that would be used for day. 
the export of aggregates soon.  “There was a high risk of
The development of the site getting exposed to the infec-
is carried out in consultation tion,” said Chencho Gyeltshen.
with the dzongkhag adminis- Once the stockyard devel-
tration, Bhutan Export Asso- opment is completed, which
ciation and National Resource is located below ISC along
Development Corporation Sarpang-Gelephu highway,
Limited, among other relevant Bhutanese trucks will ship the
agencies.  gravels to the stockyard from
Over 14 exporters have con- the source.  Boulder export is expected to resume after the stockyard is complete
tributed for the development Trucks from India will col-
of the site as they prepare to lect the aggregates from the Guru Wangchuk, said stake- Guru Wangchuk said that assments along the way. And
resume the export of boulders stockyard  that would be oper- holders concerned are in the the same SoPs followed in this would help both local and
that came to a halt since March.  ated under the containment fa- process of finalising the plan.  other southern dzongkhags for Indian counterparts involved in
An exporter from Gelephu, cility. Ground development for “Export of the boulders the export of boulders would be export business,” he said. 
Chencho Gyeltshen, said the the site is almost complete and would be resumed immedi- implemented in Gelephu too.  He added that there was no
exporters came together to start the works to build containment ately after the completion of the The stockyard is expected other option because it would
developing the stockyard while infrastructure are underway.  stockyard. Proper containment to solve problems faced by be difficult for Bhutanese truck-
the dzongkhag administration The development of over facility and health protocols the exporters along the Indian ers to transport boulders during
is working to complete the re- five-acre site began on Sep- would be developed,” he said.  highways.  the lockdown. Resuming the ex-
quired formalities.  tember 2.  Kuensel learned that the Chencho Gyeltshen said port could take time. 
“The export market in India The exporters had submit- plan to develop stockyard on that by allowing Indian trucks A separate resting room for
remains uncertain because of ted a proposal to the dzong- a cost-sharing basis would to carry aggregates from the the drivers and weighbridge
the lockdown. And only a few khag administration and the be jointly supported by the stockyard, the problem con- construction are being planned.
suppliers are willing to start the relevant agencies to develop dzongkhag administration, Na- cerning Bhutanese truckers on The total export of boulder
trade,” he said.  the stockyard on the cost-shar- tional Resource Development the Indian highway would be last year doubled to Nu 4.9B
Exporters in collaboration ing basis.  Corporation Limited, Bhutan managed by themselves.  from 2.1B in 2018. In 2017,
with the dzongkhag taskforce Programme officer with Chamber for Commerce and “Bhutanese truckers face boulder export value stood at
and the relevant agencies re- Bhutan export association, Industry, and BEA.  unnecessary taxation and har- Nu 690 million. 
EDITORIAL
PAGE 4 Tuesday, September 15, 2020 | KUENSEL

MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN
Thinking local

T
he air is not clear of Covid-19, the disease
caused by the novel coronavirus, but there
is a lot of clarity emerging even as we find
ways to fight the virus and its impact.
We are convinced that what we are going
through is the normal. We have to fine-tune a way around
the pandemic. One thing that is crystal clear is that the
impact of the pandemic is going to stay. If there are no
lockdowns, there will be restrictions unless a solution,
in the form of a vaccine, is found.
The reality, like many realised, is that life has to go
on with or without Covid-19. While we adapt to live
with a pandemic, what we are also clear is that we are
getting a better sight of our priorities. Take, for instance,
import substitution. This is not an overnight thought. We
have been talking about this for a very long time now. The
only difference is we have had to wait for the pandemic
to get us really working on it.  
How do we substitute import as a landlocked country
totally dependent  goods and services from the neigh-
bouring countries? There are so many things that we
cannot produce.  For instance, cars or  computers. But
the Covid-19 pandemic taught us what matters the most.
When we were locked-down for nearly a month, we were
after basic necessities. Everything else was secondary.
What we needed was food and safety.
If we ran  through the import list and the cost, the Nature rules ... again: A long dormant tipper truck has been overrun by a creeper
numbers are mind blowing—Nu 10.2 billion (B) worth of plant almost as a reward for its reduced carbon footprint Photo: Parbath Rai, Samtse
fossil fuel for a country known to be carbon neutral, Nu
1.5B of meat for a Buddhist country known to be against
killing, Nu 2.3B for charcoal for a country known to be 72 Send in your pictures to: formcmt@gmail.com
percent forested. We import Nu 7B worth of rice almost
every year.
There is something inherently and terribly wrong. MY SAY
The pandemic has  opened our eyes. The focus of the
government, even as it meets different sectors, is to look
into import substitution and enhance export.
We have not looked into our potentials.  In other
words, we have not made the most of our strengths. To
We should change our attitude
The Covid-19 pandemic has construction sites is not a every Bhutanese family.
the world, Bhutan is known as a clean country, one of plunged the world into an taboo for us, the Bhutanese. The government must
the few spared by the greed of commercialism. We boast economic recession, and We have an able and equally look into providing a
about our snow fed rivers, the clean Himalayan air and Bhutan is not an exception. good number of human handsome package of salary
the unpolluted soil. We call it  brand Bhutan. How ef- We have depended largely resources for all types for the workers. Similarly,
fectively are we making use of it? on foreign workers (mostly of construction works. the employers must create
Now is the time. There are other benefits like creating Indians) for all sorts of Then, why is there still a a conducive environment
jobs for the thousands who suddenly lost their liveli- construction-related need to depend on foreign and provide them enough
hoods or the thousands who are  readying to join  the works. All the construction workers? Many owners support and guidance to
workforce. Judging by the import figures, substituting companies and contractors and contractors of the continue with the work.
had employed foreign construction companies Finally, the society and the
even 50 percent of import would mean jobs, food, and
workers in their construction are skeptical about both the families must change their
sustainability. sites however, we need to aptitude and the attitude of attitude towards blue-collar
There is a focus on local produce. It should tran- note here that not all of them Bhutanese workers however, jobs and start appreciating
scend just the “Made in Bhutan” name. If we import all are skilled and certified. This to build the aptitude they every Bhutanese taking up
the ingredients and package or bottle it here, it is not trend was fine and no one need opportunities to such jobs by providing them
made in Bhutan. It is an eyewash because it is cheaper had any complaints about it. experience, and the attitude equal social status and a
and easier to import raw materials than using locally However, with changing time is purely societal driven, platform in society. For a
produced goods. and situation, the country which requires immediate nation to climb the ladder
At the same time, the name local, in our context, is experiencing an acute attention now. Rather of success, collective effort,
means expensive. Whether it is vegetable, cereal or meat, shortage of workers in the than depending on foreign and collective responsibility
everything is beyond the reach of most Bhutanese. This construction sector and the workers, we need to build is a must. This small change
soaring demands of foreign up our own capacities. It in our outlook can and will
drives people to buy imported goods, which is by far
workers in the country have has manifold advantages. bring a revolution in the
cheaper.  lately been a concern. As a This very change that we developmental activities of
How do we make locals buy local produce? How do nation, we must now think want to see requires support our country.
we encourage competitiveness among growers and sell- of filling up the gaps by for the government, the
ers? Most important of it all, how do we make the whole exploring and mobilizing our owners of the construction Dhanapati Sharma
initiative sustainable?  human resources. companies or the employers, Gedu
There are more questions than answers. Working in the the society, and indeed, from

MANAGING DIRECTOR - Bachu Phub Dorji, MANAGING EDITOR - Ugyen Penjor,

PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, MARKETING & SALES GM - Karma J Yangzom, KANGLUNG REGIONAL MANAGER - Ugyen Wangdi
 ADVERTISEMENT
Tuesday, September 15, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND CUSTOMS

PUBLIC nOtIFICAtIOn
DRC/Customs/SOP-COVID/2020/257

This is to notify that the Department of Revenue and Customs is implementing the new normal protocol to prevent and contain COVID-19
transmissions. Henceforth, all Importers and Exporters are hereby instructed to follow the following protocol strictly:
1. Modality for submission of clearance documents in soft copy h. Permit issued by relevant agencies for restricted goods, where
Submit all the necessary documents for clearance of goods in applicable;
SOFT COPY to the respective RRCOs ONE day prior to the entry i. Letter of guarantee for third country imports via India, where
of the vehicle via email as indicated below. applicable;
Region Email Address j. Certificate of origin, where applicable;
k. Exemption certificate, where applicable;
Gelephu rrco-gelephu@mof.gov.bt
l. Any other relevant documents, as may be considered
Phuentsholing rrcopling@mof.gov.bt necessary by the Department.
Samdrup Jongkhar rrcosjongkhar@mof.gov.bt 3. documents for export Clearance
Samtse rrcosamtse@mof.gov.bt i. export to India
Paro rrco-paro@mof.gov.bt a. Invoice;
b. Packing list;
Thimphu rrcothimphu@mof.gov.bt c. Shipping bill/ airway bill, where applicable;
2. documents for Import Clearance d. Certificate of origin issued by the relevant authority, where
i. Import India applicable;
a. Invoice; e. Insurance documents, where applicable;
b. Packing list; f. Export permit, where applicable;
c. Letter of authorization, where applicable; g. Any other relevant documents, as may be considered
d. Permit issued by relevant agencies for restricted goods, where necessary by the Department.
applicable; ii. export to third Country
e. Certificate of origin, where applicable; a. Invoice;
f. Exemption certificate, where applicable; b. Packing list;
g. Any other relevant documents, as may be considered c. Shipping bill/ airway bill, where applicable;
necessary by the Department. d. Certificate of origin issued by the relevant authority, where
ii. third Country Import applicable;
a. Invoice; e. Insurance documents, where applicable;
b. Packing list; f. Export permit, where applicable;
c. Freight documents, where applicable; g. Any other relevant documents, as may be considered
d. Bill of lading or air-way bill, where applicable; necessary by the Department.
e. Marine or air or transit insurance policy, where applicable; The Department solicits support and cooperation from all
f. Import permit or license, where applicable; concerned.
g. Letter of authorization, where applicable; Officiating Director General

PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES Department of Revenue and Customs

Amendment nO.1 nOtICe InvItIng tendeR

BHUtAn POWeR CORPORAtIOn LImIted BHUtAn teLeCOm LImIted
(Registered Office, Thimphu) BTL/Mkt-01/2020/266

BHUtAn POWeR SyStem OPeRAtOR Bhutan Telecom Ltd. is pleased to invite sealed
tHImPHU bids from eligible firms for supply of BT Diary &
BPC/PSD/NIQ/Tech/2020/
calendar for 2021.
With reference to the tender no. BPSO/BPC/tech-1/2020 dated July 31, 2020, Tender to be submitted on October 5, 2020 and will
Bhutan Power System Operator (BPSO), Bhutan Power Corporation Limited (BPC), be opened on October 6, 2020.
Thimphu would like to issue amendment no. 1 whereby changes in specification Tender documents must be submitted online and
of video wall. EMD should be submitted offline in any of our
The specification is uploaded in www.bpc.bt. kindly refer the website. nearest BT office.
The submission of tender document is also postponed to October 6, 2020 at 1:00 For details, visit www.tender.bt.
Pm and it will be publicly opened on the same day at 3:00 Pm. Manager, Procurement
The detailed invitation and the soft copy of the bidding document is available at
www.bpc.bt. The bidders who have downloaded and printed the bid document
by themselves and wish to participate should register with BPSO, BPC on or tO AdveRtISe In KUenSeL:
before the closing of the bid sale date upon the submission of written application Call 326191 or fax 326638;
together with a valid licence at the above address and make payment of nu. e-mail us at: kuenseladvertisement@gmail.com
300.00 (ngultrum three hundred) non-refundable. tO SUBSCRIBe KUenSeL: Call 327463;
General Manager FOR neWS: Call 324684, 322483
HOME
PAGE 6 Tuesday, September 15, 2020| KUENSEL

More than a thousand Bhutanese attend

MoLHR’s online learning with Coursera
Chhimi Dema
In the last three and a half
months, about 4,600 Bhuta-
nese had joined Coursera,  a
worldwide online learning
platform founded in 2012 that
offers  massive open online
courses (MOOC), specialisa-
tions, degrees, professional
and master track courses.  Business: Essentials
Through this collabora-
tive programme, the labour
ministry’s employment and
human resources depart-
ment strives to skill job seek-
ers and workforce who are
affected by the pandemic.
The learners took close
to 46,000 online lessons from
about 500 Coursera courses.
Popular courses that
learners enrolled themselves
in are computer science,
business, information tech-
nology, language and data
science, among others.
Most Bhutanese had en-
rolled in Python Program-
ming, followed by excel skills
for business.
Also, courses such as
professional English writing,
introduction to web develop-
ment, and data analysis had
higher number of enrolment.  She has piled up sacks full
Kinley Choden, a univer-
sity graduate, said that she
completed a course on tech-
nical support fundamentals
under information technol-
ogy course domain.
She said: “In this ‘fast-
pacing’ digital world, the in-
formation technology’s (IT)
Top 5 courses
Bhutanese pursue
on Coursera
1. Programming for
Everybody (Getting
started with Python)
2. Excel Skills for
3. Write Professional
Emails in English
4. Introduction to Web
Development
5. Introduction to Data
Analysis using Excel
components are changing.
I took the course to keep a
similar pace.”
The course taught her to
troubleshoot and learn about
common issues in electronic
gadgets, she said.
The labour ministry’s
chief programme officer,
Tenzin Choden, said that the
number of participants in-
creased during the lockdown.
She said: “Through online
learning, the unemployed
participants will be able to
increase their chances of
getting gainful employment
based on the knowledge and
skills acquired.”
Neha Powrel, 23, said that
she took a course on climate
change mitigation in devel-
oping countries through the
programme. “The online
Pepper finds no buyer
learning helped me learn
beyond the classroom walls.
It is also safer in the current
situation.”
According to the learn-
ers’ feedback, 63.1 percent
of learners rated the learning
experience as excellent. The
learning experience was
rated poor by 1.9 percent. 
The feedback shows that
98.1 percent of respondents
were interested to continue
online courses in the fu-
ture. More than 300 respond-
ents said that the high inter-
net cost was an issue while
taking the online course. Bembji village
Majority of the respond-
Nim Dorji | Trongsa house.
ents said that the objective of
taking the online courses was Every year, each house-
The people of Bembji in hold in Bembji makes at
for personal development.
Trongsa are busy dry- least Nu 10,000 by selling the
Learning skills to do better in
ing  thingye  (Sichuan pep- pepper, which is one of the
a job and getting competent
per).  principal sources of income
in the area of interests were
The pepper is usually for many.
other objectives for enrolling
harvested in the sixth month Each household has more
in Coursera.
of the Bhutanese calendar. than five bags of pepper.
Thinley, a university
However, due to the Covid-19 “Without no buyer com-
student, said that she com-
pandemic, the people there ing, I am worried,” said
pleted more than 10 courses
have not seen buyers. Sonam.
through the programme. She
Sonam Choden, a farmer, The pepper is sold at Nu
enrolled in courses such as
said the people did not have 600 per kilogram.
contact tracing, Covid-19
to go look for buyers. “It’s a The villagers say that
science matters and animal
different story this year.” they harvest the pepper from
welfare.
young trees; older the tree,
“ Through the pro-
of pepper in a corner of her the lesser the yield.
gramme, I got access to
various courses and recog-
nitions,” she said.
Tenzin Choden said that
Time of issue: 4:00 PM,
labour ministry was explor-
SUNRISE : 5:46 am | SUNSET : 6:07 pm 14 September 2020
ing learning and skilling
initiative on other online
platforms such as Udemy and
Skillshare. 
Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing

17 21 21 28 30
NotiCe iNvitiNg teNdeR 12 16 15 24 22
MeNJoNg soRig PHaRMaCeUtiCaLs Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology.
For any weather information: Call hotline 335578
CoRPoRatioN LiMited
KaWaNgJaNgsa, tHiMPHU
MSPCL/Marketing-16/2020/637
CLassifieds
Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (MSPCL), Thimphu, invites land for lease near
sealed bids from eligible bidders having valid trade license for the manufacture khasadrapchu,
of incense sticks. Rent: Available Thimphu. For details
Bid details: immediately. Small please contact
1 Date of Sale 15th September 2020 to 24th September 2020 apartment with all 77420545.
2 Date of Submission on or before 24th September 2020 at 10.30 AM modern convenience
3 Date of Opening 24th September 2020 at 11:00 AM for expat couples. Call
4 Place of Submission At the Procurement Section, MSPCL, Thimphu 17115415.
Required: Kitchen
The complete set of bidding documents containing detailed terms and conditions helper (female) for a
can be downloaded from www.mspcl.bt. restaurant. Contact
Lease: 3 to 4 acres
For further information and queries contact at 325731 during office hours. 77332447.
Management, MSPCL of Agricultural
 ENTERTAINMENT
Tuesday, September 15, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 7

Let’s Play
CHOE MA NGU MAY
Gsus2 Asus4
Bum choe mib dha nge sem miga way
D
Gsus2 Choe milay bhabi michu nob enn nge dhenlu
Zhingkham zamling de na
D Asus4
Bum choe lu ten jing gay Choe gawi gazum dhongley yay jow dha
[CHORUS] Gsus2 Asus4
D Ya namlay sha wi nyima eib zhadho zum
Ma ngu ma ngu bum choe gi michu D
Asus4 Nga shey choegi kholu ga yi
Ma ngu bu nga gi cha jingay Asus4
Gsus2 Sem hinglay choegi kholu phang yi
Bum choe ngu dha Gsus2
Asus4 Enn ru kho choe kozha yasoi
SOUTHERN ACE Nge sem miga way [PRE-CHORUS]
[VERSE 1] Gsus2
Southern Ace was formed in 2008 and came up with their D Khemi choe ma ngu mey
first debut song “Choe mangu may” on 6th December 2019 Choe nawi nazu nga gi tshow may Asus4
Asus4 Nga choe dha nyam chi yoe
Your favourite Bhutanese song/ singer? Choe nyong bi dhu ngyel bu nga ge nyow may Gsus2
We listen to every Bhutanese song and we appreciate Gsus2 Bum choe gi lab shay dhi gi
them. Above all we appreciate Baby Floyed and O’strangers Bum choe nguw dha Asus4
Asus4 Zamling korwa khigay
because we are in the same genre and they create good
Nge sem miga way [CHORUS]
music.
D D
Nga shay choe kholu ga Kholu phang Ma ngu ma ngu bum choe gi michu
Three words that best describe you? Asus4 Asus4
Courageous, adventurous and compassionate. Kho miba choegi sem tsalay micha Ma ngu bu nga gi cha jingay
Gsus2 Gsus2
How do you past time these days? Nga choegi thama dheru Bum choe ngu dha
We keep ourself engaged by learning list of songs and Asus4 Asus4
creating new music for our current album, workout to keep Choe gi ta matub Nge sem me ga way
ourself fit, and attending to some household work D
Dhi michu choe gi milay Bhab dhi wongmi D
Asus4 Choe ngalu tsachi gadhi tana
Message for your fans?
Mitshu lokdhi kayni Asus4
Our King and the government are doing so much for our
Gsus2 Asus4 Nga choelu ten jingay
country. They are sweating and doing all they can to keep Bum choe gi mig gu bum…choe gi Gsus2
us safe. So let’s all come together, stay home and maintain D Zingkham zamling dhina
physical distancing. Let’s follow the footsteps of our leaders Hagona may Asus4
for a better future. …Guitar Solo [D Asus4 Gsus2 Asus4]… Kho zum bay ngu me tchu
[Verse 2]
D G Asus4
Dha chab na bhang dhi yoe choe gu dhi Bum choe lu gawa jingay dha wong na may
Asus4 D
Choe hong ni mindu dha chab ya chey si Choe ma ngu may
WITH ME SUM 41

E - B - C#m - A [x2] E C#m A B C C#m

I stumble and fall fall to the ground these words are my heart and soul
E B B E B A E
I don’t want this moment But I mean these words I know what I didn’t have so I’ll hold on to this moment you know
C#m A C#m A B C C#m
to ever end C#m I won’t let this go cause I’d bleed my heart out to show
E B I want you to know E A
where everything’s nothing A E ‘Cause it’s true that I won’t let go
C#m A with everything I won’t let this go B C#m A
without you B C C#m I am nothing without you A E
E B these words are my heart and soul In front of your eyes
I’d wait here forever just to, A E C#m B
C#m A I’ll hold on to this moment you know All the streets it falls from the skies
to see you smile B C C#m A C#m
E cause I’d bleed my heart out to show where I walked alone when you don’t know
‘Cause it’s true A E B A
B C#m A that I won’t let go with nowhere to go what you’re looking to find
I am nothing without you B
E B have come to an end
C#m Thoughts read unspoken
Through it all C#m A C#m
A forever in doubt I want you to know
I’ve made my mistakes E B A E
And pieces of memories with everything I won’t let this go
 DIVERSION
PAGE 8 Tuesday, September 15, 2020 | KUENSEL

Health
Cryptic Clues
Kwik Xword
Puzzle 2062 © Gemini Crosswords 2013 All rights reserved
Quick CLUES
Across Quick Clues
Capsule
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 Partly divine being (7)
ss Across
5 Dog with long drooping ears
A for Athens for example (7) (7) 1 Partly divine being (7)
Top people look closely at the time (7) 9 10 9 Firm5intention
Dog with (7)long drooping ears (7)
Sees trouble, grabs a hat and gets out (7) 9 Firm intention
10 Never-ending (7) (7)
You might be if a plan goes wrong (2,1,4) 10 Never-ending
11 Racket (5) (7)
A capital couch I brought in (5) 11 12
11 RacketBalkan
12 Landlocked (5) republic
Upsets open containers (9) (9) 12 Landlocked Balkan republic (9)
Pack freight in view on board (4,5) 13 Loftiness
13 Loftiness (9) (9)
Rested when a bed’s made up (5) 15 Hazardous
15 Hazardous (5) (5)
13 14 15
t dies at the end of three months (5) 16 To16 To combine
combine (5) (5)
Wild animals have to rub against trees (9) 18 Completely
18 Completely (3,4,2) (3,4,2)
nformed kin he won’t be around (2,3,4)
16 17 18 19 20
21 To21 To shelter
shelter from attack
from attack (4,5) (4,5)
Neat formation of trees (5) 24 Simple
24 Simple wooden wooden
dwellingdwelling
(5) (5)
US city that was smart in the past (7) 25 Mythical
25 Mythical one-horned
one-horned animalanimal (7)
Come out in support of the man at executive level (7) (7) 26 Short biographical sketch (7)
Saw about the digs? (7) 21 22 23 24 27 Rules
26 Short for healthy
biographical sketchliving
(7) (7)
Getting on in life (7) 28 Meal’s
27 Rules sweet
for healthy course
living (7) (7)
n 28 Meal’s
Downsweet course (7)
25 26
Folded when credit was derestricted (7) 1 Make insane (7)
Peaceful waters? (7) Down2 Huge (7)
He won’t take steps to maintain silence (3,6) 1 Make3 insane
Time of(7)highest achievement (6,3
27 28 2 Huge (7)
Girl given ring might be thrown over by cowboy (5) 4 An improbable hope (5)
Put two and two together (6,3) 3 Time5 ofMiddle
highestEast waterway (4,5)
nsist on having things just right (5) achievement
6 In the(6,3)
lead (5)
Sept 12, answers
Tempts a number to break rules (7) 4 An improbable
7 Period ofhope (5) (7)
batting
Brought facts to light once one took a stand (7) Solutions
Across: 1 Remedy, to last
4 As one man, week’s
9 Snooty, puzzles
10 Unawares, 12 Reprisal, 5 Middle
8 Soothing song (4,5)
East waterway (7)
Bandleader pursued by the sheriff (5,4) 13 Sortie, 15 Mail, 16 High- flying, 19 In the wings, 20 Clam, 23 Secret, 25 6 In the
14 lead (5)
Beforehand (2,7)
C U S T O M F R E Q U E N T R E M E D Y A S O N E M A N
Musicians’ money belt? (5,4) Cinnamon,
L E U 27 Play ball,
I U28 Titbit,
V 29 Doggerel,
R O 30OVendor.
E A E E E 7 Period of battingto(7)
15 Happen meet (3,6)
Venice’s variety shows (7) E S T A T E A B L A T I V E S N O O T Y U N A W A R E S 8 Soothing song (7) (7)
16 Falsehood
A S F P S N C A T T A N E W I T
A holdall containing spare washing (7) Down: 1 Rostrum, 2SMoot
R E Q U I T A L
point, 3 Detail, 5RSane,
T A T I C
6 New World, 7SMerit,
E P R I S A L
8
O R T I E
14 Beforehand
17 Slight (2,7)
suspicion (7)
Available to discuss outside (4-3) Nest
E egg,T11 Namibia,
U U R 14 I Chagrin,L 17 Islamabad,
U 18 Resemble,
O L M 19 Insipid,
C R 21 G 15 Happen
19 Of to meet (3,6)
noblest nature (7)
Church apologetic about witchcraft (7)
D E A F
Monitor, 22 AIn Ctime,
C E P T A N C E
24 Clang, 26 Flee. M A I L H I G H F L Y I N G 16 Falsehood
20 Caustic (7) (7)
R D I L Y I N R B A D S
Lift up a broken axle on old car model (5) P R E S E N T D A Y E G G S I N T H E W I N G S C L A M 17 Slight suspicion
22 Throttle (5)(7)
We hold her - but in what location? (5)
O C Y T B H E N S A R I A O 19 Of23noblest nature
Swift (5) (7)
L I T T L E P E D A N T I C S E C R E T C I N N A M O N
A H A T D L M R I L M F N T A I
20 Caustic (7)
22 Throttle (5)
Rebus
R A I L R O A D P L E A S E P L A Y B A L L T I T B I T
I
Idioms
R E
S I D E D R U M
B A R
A D H E R E
T I N L E
D O G G E R E L
M A
V E N D O
O
R
23 Swift (5)

Solution on Thursday
Staying on track
ss: 1 Custom, 4 Frequent, 9 Estate, 10 Ablative, 12 Requital, 13 Static, 15 Deaf, 16 Acceptance, Across: 1 Remedy, 4 As one man, 9 Snooty, 10 Unawares, 12 Reprisal, 1
esent day, 20 Eggs, 23 Little, 25 Pedantic, 27 Railroad, 28 Please, 29 AnSideexpression meaning to remain
drum, 30 Adhere. flying, 19 In the wings, 20 Clam, 23 Secret, 25 Cinnamon, 27 Play ball, 28
focuses on pursuing your goal, Vendor.
n: 1 Cleared, 2 Set square, 3 Outfit, 5 Ribs, 6 Quantity, 7 Evict, 8 Treacle, 11 Paucity, 14 Related,
without distraction kuSudo
ghtmare, 18 Declared, 19 Polaris, 21 Secrete, 22 Ballad, 24 Third, 26 Tabu. Down: 1 Rostrum, 2 Moot point, 3 Detail, 5 Sane, 6 New World, 7 Merit, 8
Order in court Out to lunch
"If you stay on track and focusChagrin,
on 17 Islamabad, 18 Resemble, 19 Insipid, 21 Monitor, 22 In time, 2
your studies, you'll get straight
WIZARD As."

How to play
Fill in the grid so
that every row, every
column, and every 3
X 3 box contains the
numbers 1 through 9.
Answer

WHO reports record one-day increase in
global Covid-19 cases, up over 307,000
GENEVA - The World Health
Organisation reported a re-
cord one-day increase in
global coronavirus cases on
Sunday (Sept 13), with the
total rising by 307,930 in 24
hours.
The biggest increases were
from India, the United States
and Brazil, according to the
agency’s website. Deaths rose
by 5,537 to a total of 917,417.
India reported 94,372 new
cases, followed by the United
States with 45,523 new infec-
tions and Brazil with 43,718.
Both the United States
and India each reported over
1,000 new deaths and Brazil
reported 874 lives lost in the
past 24 hours.
The previous WHO record
for new cases was 306,857 on
Sept 6. The agency reported a
record 12,430 deaths on April
17.
India leads the world in
Nearly 17.5 million small
businesses on verge of closure
INDIA: The Confederation of
All India Traders (CAIT) has
said that about 25 percent
small shops and businesses,
totalling 17.5 million, across
the country are in a bad situ-
ation and on the verge of clo-
sure amid the pandemic.
In a statement, the trad-
ers’ body said: “The domestic
trade of India is suffering amid
the worst days of the century
due to Covid-19, which has
brought the traders on their
knees with no sign of respite
in the near future.”
Noting that the Indian do-
mestic trade consists of more
than 70 million traders provid-
ing employment to more than
400 million people, CAIT said
that the banking sector has
so far failed to provide formal
finance to this sector since
only 7 percent of the small
businesses are able to obtain
WORLD
Tuesday, September 15, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 9
new cases reported each day
and set a global record last
week with 97,570 cases report-
ed in a single day, according to
a Reuters tally.
In some parts of
India, medical oxygen is be-
coming hard to find as total
cases exceed 4.75 million.
Only the United States has
recorded more cases at 6.5
million.
Covid-19 infections are
still rising in 58 countries, in-
cluding surges in Argentina,
Indonesia, Morocco, Spain
and Ukraine, according to a
Reuters analysis.
New cases are falling in the
United States and are down
about 44% from a peak of more
than 77,000 new cases report-
ed on July 16. Cases in Brazil
are also trending downward.
The Strait Times
ANN
finance from banks and other
financial institutions.
The rest of the 93 percent
traders are dependent upon
informal sources to meet their
financial requirements, it said.
CAIT said that traders are
under financial obligation for
payment of central and state
government taxes, repayment
of monthly instalments of
loans taken from formal and
informal sources, EMIs, water
and electricity bills, property
tax, payment of interest, pay-
ment of wages to the labour
and various other payments.
It urged Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to take imme-
diate cognisance of the issue
of the traders and announce a
package policy for traders and
FOR NEWS, VIEWS AND FEEDBACK
help them in revival of their Call 324684 or email
business.
The Statesman editorkuensel@gmail.com
ANN
HOME
PAGE 10 Tuesday, September 15, 2020| KUENSEL

Highland dairy products selling well

Thinley Namgay  group tried to buy the products
from other highland commu-
The highland dairy products nities but it’s expensive. “For
shop in Thimphu, which was example, highland communi-
opened in July by a youth ties of Haa charges Nu 700 for
group from Sakteng in collabo- 1kg of butter. We pay only Nu
ration with National Highland 280 each for 1kg of zoetey and
Research Development Pro- butter from Sakteng.” 
gramme, is progressing well.   So far, the group spent
Since April, this youth around Nu 1.8 million, in-
group bought around 2,786kg cluding the cost of products,
of zoetey (fermented cheese) transportation charges and the
and around 1,720kg of but- monthly rent of Nu 32,000.
ter from their locality, which As of yesterday, the group
has benefited the people who had 600kg of zoetey and 100kg
faced difficulty in marketing of butter in the stock.
dairy products amid Covid-19 Phuntsho Wangdi, a group
pandemic.  member, said that the group
Located at Sangay Sales might be able to further im-
building near the vegetable prove their sells with facilities
market in Olakha, the shop such as packaging, drying and
is run by five men including Zoetey: A delicacy from Merak and Sakteng grinding machine, and cold
three university graduates and storage.
two drivers who work with tour of 15kg of butter and 5-6kg of lect dairy products from other calities of Haa, Gasa, and The group is paying Nu
companies.   zoetey daily.” The group also communities. Wangdue. Moreover, the group 32,000 for a bolero pickup
One of the group mem- provides door-to-door service During the nationwide also bought 500kg of butter truck and Nu 40,000 for a
bers, Pema Khandu, said that within the thromde area in lockdown, the group bought from the people of Merak last DCM truck as transportation
the shop was getting custom- Thimphu.  10,000 balls of cheese and month.  charges to bring products from
ers. “We could sell a minimum The group is looking to col- 500kg of butter from the lo- Pema Khandu said that the Sakteng. 

Jangphutse potatoes fetch better price at home

Neten Dorji | Trashigang last year.  administration and Agriculture
“When the price is good, it Marketing and Co-operative
Farmers of Jangphutse in encourages farmers like us to regional office in Mongar facili-
Trashiyangtse have reasons work more,” he said. “It would tate farmers to sell potatoes, and
to be happy with the border help us cultivate more potatoes farm produce. 
closure.   in the future if the rate doesn’t Meanwhile, 25 metric tons
Before the border shut in drop.” of potatoes were sold and 25
March, they sold potatoes to He said that they take more metric tonnes of potatoes
Tawang, a neighbouring village around five hours to reach the were collected as of  yester-
across the border in Arunachal gewog centre from Jangphutse day. The government agreed to
Pradesh.  carrying potatoes on their back. bear 50 percent of pony charges
A kilogram of large red po- “Because of the hardship, most while transporting potatoes
tatoes fetched Nu 34.15 while of the farmers sell agricultural from Jangphutse. 
the medium-sized potatoes produce to Tawang.” Dzongkhag agriculture of-
earned Nu 22 a kg.  One of the villagers said cal- ficer Kuezang Peldon said last
Last year, the farmers culating all pony charges they year about 90 metric tons of
got  Nu 25 to Nu 30 for a kg of are at a loss for carrying potatoes potatoes were produced from
red potatoes for the large and down to the gewog Centre. “We Jangphutse and Om ba village. 
medium ones.  usually get Nu 300 per horse, “We are supporting them
Residents carry the pota- Farmers take five hours to the nearest road but they are giving around Nu like other farmers in construc-
toes on their back while some 150 as pony charges.”  tion of irrigation canal, seeds,
use horses. People do not carry all farm 9.30am. About 50 to 60 horses Trashiyangtse dzongkhag machinery and among others.”
Thukten Lhaden, a mother produce to Doksum because of transported potatoes daily.  
of four, said that she used to the challenges they face while “With the border closed,
take potatoes five times a day moving everything on their back.  we have no choice but to carry
till the border and transport to A villager, Tshewang Dorji potatoes downhill, taking risks
Tawang.      said it is easy to transport all on narrow tracks,” said Dorji, TOMORROW
With the border closed products across the border, be- a villager from Jangphu. “I am
now, villagers are transporting cause of access road till border.  happy that the hard work of my Good Day
all potatoes to gewog centre. “With the border closed family has been rewarded with
It is the first time that they are today, it is a challenge to carry good returns.” Bad Day
selling potatoes to traders at potatoes on horseback down- He said with hardship to A good day for rituals (laza):
home. hill,” he said. “Although we face carry potatoes, and other farm those born in the tiger and rabbit years.
“I harvested 200 bags (one difficulties, we’re happy that the products to Doksum, people
Generally a good day (sogza):
bag weighs 50 kg) last year and price is better than what we get easily export them to Tawang those born in the monkey and rooster
earned well,” said Thukten from across the border.”  and sell at a cheaper rate.  years.
Lhaden. “I expect to earn more He said they set off early Another villager, Tashi said
A bad day (shedza):
this year as the price is better,” 4am from home and arrive at with a fair price this year he got those born in the ox and dragon years.
she added. the gewog centre at around double what he got in Tawang

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 M E NT
E F ER
A N D
LO T I O N
O R MA
INF

Loan Deferment Application & 1% Rebate

The Bank has made the deferment application form available through the following
medium considering the present nationwide lockdown situation:

1. In word format in our website, www.bob.bt.

2. In hard copies with BoBConnect Agents.
3. Web-based online questionnaire in our website for the convenience of our
clients where they can fill-in online and submit.

For all loans availed before 30/06/2020, kindly submit the deferment forms before
30/09/2020. It’s mandatory to submit the form whether the client wants to pay or defer.

The application forms can be submitted through our BoBConnect Agent in hard
copies or via email to bobsupport@bob.bt.