Decentralization Support Programme
Background
People have always been at the centre of Bhutan’s development policies. In the 9th Five Year Plan, the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) took another important step in devolving power to the people by officially launching geog (block level) planning.
In 2002, the National Assembly enacted new legislation – Chathrims (Act) – to devolve substantial responsibilities and powers, and some financial resources to the dzongkhags (districts) and geogs (blocks) through their respective representative decision making bodies. These are the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogchungs (District Development Committee), and the Geog Yargay Tshogchung (Block Development Committee).
Objectives
- Create an enabling environment for effective implementation of the decentralization policy. The activities are focused on providing the RGoB with resources and technical assistance appropriate to facilitate a broad based orientation to the new decentralization policy framework;
- Enhance citizen participation in local planning, decision making and implementation management through provision of training and capital investment funds to 32 geogs (all geogs under Lhuntse, Gasa, Trongsa, Pemagatsel and Zhemgang) dzongkhags;
- Support the implementation of the 2001 Co-operatives Chathrim (Act).
- Enhance capacity in the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs to provide overall management support for implementation of the decentralization policy.
Achievements & expected results
- Strengthen the RGoB’s initiative to decentralize governance and promote people’s participation;
- Improve the ability of geog committees, elected representatives and geog officials and populations to take new responsibilities with decentralization, including fiscal and financial matters;
- Bring about regional balance in development;
- Provide a strong foundation and environment for decentralization;
Enhance RGoB’s goal of promoting efficiency, accountability and transparency in the public sector.
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Bhutan
