Understanding development as MPs cut the cake

Bhutan’s journey through the phases of planned development has been marked by significant achievements and persistent challenges. Since the beginning of our planned development process, we have often found ourselves at the mercy of external donors, who shape our priorities and progress. While their help was crucial in our early days, now is the time for us to take bold steps for the sake of our nation’s progress.

Our main challenge lies in our rush to achieve externally set goals, often neglecting fundamental aspects crucial for sustainable development.

One of the most glaring problems is our severe shortage of essential professionals, like teachers and doctors. Despite numerous development plans and foreign aid, we are still struggling with a shortage of qualified personnel in these critical sectors. This shortage undermines our education and health systems, causing long-term impacts on the well-being and growth of our society.

Why does a small nation like ours continue to face such fundamental shortages?

Tourism, considered one of our main sources of income, remains an unstable sector. Although we have breathtaking landscapes and a unique cultural heritage, we have not yet established a strong and sustainable tourism model. Seasonal fluctuations and external dependencies have left the sector vulnerable, raising questions about our strategic planning and execution – interesting dreams and statements keep coming.

But really, where are we going?

The quality of education continues to be the subject of intense debate. Despite various reforms and initiatives, we have yet to see significant improvement in educational outcomes. This disconnect between policy and practice, coupled with insufficient training and resources for teachers, has hampered progress.

Bhutan’s future depends on the education of our children, but we seem to struggle to provide them with a solid foundation.

Our infrastructure, particularly road infrastructure, presents another paradox. We import a significant number of cars, but the condition of our roads remains poor. Poorly maintained and poorly planned roads not only hinder transportation, but also reflect a deeper problem in our planning process. How can we claim to progress when the basics of infrastructure are not adequately addressed?

These problems stem from a deeper problem: our propensity to focus on the superficial rather than the substantive. We are often more concerned with the appearance of progress than with its reality.

True development is not about carrying out big projects or meeting donor expectations, but about laying the foundations.

Investing in basic infrastructure, ensuring quality education, providing robust healthcare and building a sustainable tourism model are the cornerstones of real development.

It’s time we shift our focus from short-term gains to long-term sustainability. We must prioritize the essential elements that form the backbone of our society and economy.

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