KARMA CHOGYEL YOEZER | Thimphu
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is working on immediate and long-term measures to address the shortage of classrooms and other infrastructure needs at the College of Zorig Chusum in Trashiyangtse.
Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa clarified this at the meet the Press session held on June 5, after concerns were raised about whether the institution has enough facilities to provide trainees with a proper learning environment.
Questions were also raised on why the institution is called a college but is not under the Royal University of Bhutan, and whether this has any impact on students’ recognition, progression opportunities and access to resources.
Lyonpo acknowledged that the college is currently facing pressure on classroom space and other facilities. However, the minister said the ministry is already taking steps to manage the situation.
“The Ministry acknowledges the current challenges related to classroom space and infrastructure at the College of Zorig Chusum in Trashiyangtse and is implementing both immediate and long-term measures to ensure a conducive learning environment for trainees,” the education minister said.
The shortage of classrooms has become a concern because the College of Zorig Chusum is not a regular classroom-based institution alone. Much of its training is practical and skills based, requiring enough space, tools and a proper learning environment. The institution trains young Bhutanese in traditional arts and crafts, which remain important for preserving the country’s culture, heritage and identity.
For the long term, the ministry is looking beyond temporary arrangements.
The minister said a proposal has been submitted to the Asian Development Bank and is currently under finalisation.
The ministry has also proposed the expansion of the college under Government of India project support for the financial year 2026–2027 cycle.
The proposed expansion includes the construction of additional classrooms, hostels and related infrastructure. These facilities are expected to help the college respond to the growing number of trainees.
The minister said the implementation of these works will depend on funding approval. If approved, the ministry expects the works to begin from the financial year 2027–2028 onwards.
“Subject to funding approval, implementation is expected to commence from FY 2027–2028 onwards,” the minister said.
The minister also explained why the College of Zorig Chusum is not under the Royal University of Bhutan, even though it carries the title of a college.
According to the minister, the institution was established with a specific vocational mandate. Its purpose is to preserve, promote and develop Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts while providing structured skills-based training.
The minister said the institution is not a degree awarding college like those under the RUB system.
On concerns over whether being outside the RUB system affects students, the minister said the programmes offered by the College of Zorig Chusum are nationally recognised. The minister said the certificate and diploma programmes delivered across Technical Training Institutes are certified by the Bhutan Qualifications and Professional Certification Authority in line with the Bhutan Qualifications Framework.
