Funds to support education, infrastructure, healthcare, digital governance, and e-mobility projects, reinforcing bilateral cooperation
TIL BDR GHALLEY | Thimphu
The Embassy of India in Thimphu handed over Nu. 2.15 billion to the Royal Government of Bhutan on 12 January, fulfilling India’s financial commitment under Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan.
The disbursed funds are allocated to five major development projects focusing on education, policing, transport infrastructure, legal education, and digital teaching and learning.
The development of central schools received Nu. 1.35 billion, targeting 37 schools, including 20 central schools and 17 cluster schools.
The project focuses on infrastructure development, technological upgrades, green energy initiatives, improvements in safety and security, and enhancement of sporting facilities. The total cost of the project is Nu. 6 billion.
The Infrastructure Development for the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) project received Nu. 250 million to support construction of offices, police stations, and housing, as well as human resource development through training programs in India and Bhutan, and procurement of firefighting and rescue vehicles. The total cost of this project is Nu. 900 million.
The improvement of the Samtse-Norbugang Primary National Highway was allocated Nu. 239 million to widen the highway and improve ride quality and safety, enhancing connectivity in southwestern Bhutan. The total project cost is Nu. 478 million.
The infrastructure development for legal education and research at the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law received Nu. 165 million for phase-II construction, accommodating new programs and increased student and faculty strength. The project includes academic and office infrastructure, student and staff residential facilities, security, and indoor recreational facilities. Total project cost for this initiative is Nu. 548 million.
The digital technology for teaching-learning at the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) project received Nu. 146 million to develop digital infrastructure across eight constituent colleges, enhancing teaching, learning, research, and service delivery through the adoption of edutech tools, digital libraries, and an information management system. The total project cost is Nu. 331 million.
In addition to the fund handover, the meeting reviewed progress and addressed implementation issues for ongoing projects supported by India under the 13th Five Year Plan.
The multi-disciplinary super specialty hospital (MDSSH) in Thimphu will be established at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital and will include a 250-bedded National Cancer Centre alongside a 400-bedded inpatient department, enhancing tertiary healthcare services in oncology, nephrology, cardiology, neurology, and critical care.
The infrastructure development and exchange programme for the MBBS Program involves construction of a new campus for Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan and exchange programs with the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), India, for faculty and student training.
The joint plan of action on space cooperation includes capacity building of Bhutanese officials and students in space science and technology at Indian institutions, provision of high-resolution satellite data by the Indian Space Research Organization, and construction of a Space Technology and Innovation Facility in Thimphu.
The meeting also reviewed the strengthening good governance and research initiative, which focuses on enhancing institutional capacity in government and civil society organizations, providing support to civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the Civil Society Organization Authority, along with exchange programs with Indian institutions.
The project management, monitoring, and evaluation component involves hiring project managers, capacity building, and developing a web portal for monitoring and coordinating GoI-supported projects.
The National Weather and Flood Warning Centre in Thimphu will be established at a new campus in Yusipang and will serve as the command center for real-time monitoring of hydrometeorological extremes, providing early warning services.
Under the Waste Material Recovery Facility and Incinerator project, five material recovery facilities and ten incinerators will be installed across Thromdes and Dzongkhags to manage hazardous waste.
The Digital Skilling Programme under Digital Drukyul aims to create digitally literate citizens, targeting approximately 300,000 individuals across all Gewogs through basic and intermediate digital literacy training programs implemented in partnership with local agencies identified by GovTech.
The meeting also reviewed the strengthening public service delivery and systems initiative, which continues the 12th Five Year Plan project of bringing public services online through integrated platforms, including the Integrated Service Center and the enhanced 1199 Public Service Contact Center.
The Accelerate e-Mobility Uptake in Bhutan project focuses on the development of a national electric vehicle strategy, deployment of 45 electric buses and 100 government electric vehicles, installation of 30 charging stations, and capacity building for engineers, technicians, and transport officers.
The Economic Stimulus Programme under the 13th Five Year Plan was also discussed, specifically the implementation of the Concessional Credit Line to support Bhutan’s economic initiatives.
The 14th Monthly Coordination Meeting, co-chaired by the Director General of the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance (DMDF) and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of India in Thimphu. The meeting was attended by officials from multiple government ministries and agencies, alongside representatives from the Embassy of India.
The 14th Monthly Coordination Meeting underscores India’s ongoing partnership with Bhutan in supporting infrastructure, education, health, digital governance, renewable energy, e-mobility, and scientific development under the 13th Five Year Plan, highlighting the continuing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
