The currency value

The prices of onions and tomatoes in the vegetable market have surged significantly, surpassing reasonable levels. This increase in cost extends beyond that of other goods, indicating an unprecedented escalation. I wish to emphasize particularly the exorbitant price of tomatoes. In Wangduephodrang, as of today, the price of tomatoes stands at Ngultrum 150 per kilogram. The sum of a thousand currency units barely covers a small bag of vegetables, illustrating the astonishing disparity. This prompts contemplation on whether this trend signifies a robust advancement in the nation's economy or rather a lag in its economic progress.
Comparatively, before 2008, a kilogram of tomatoes was priced at a mere Ngultrum 15, magnifying the stark difference to the current Ngultrum 150. The instability in currency valuation exacerbates the situation. The once Ngultrum 1000 note now merely holds the worth of Nu. 100 from the pre-2008 era. During my training phase, a stipend of 1500/- sufficed for survival, but presently, managing with 15000/- has become an arduous endeavor. Extrapolating a decade into the future, a 10,000 note might be necessary to equalize the value of the present 1000 note.

Looking ahead, in the span of 20 to 30 years, the prospect emerges where substantial bundles of money might be indispensable for the purchase of even the smallest items. This paints a concerning picture of the economic trajectory.

Happy Birth Anniversary

11th November: I and my family join the people of Bhutan in celebrating this most auspicious occasion of the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk – our divine blessing. I humbly offer my deepest prayers and wishes for the health, happiness and long life of our beloved Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Long Live Your Majesty.