Salary

One of the long-anticipated aspirations of civil servants remains unresolved, as the deliberations on salary revision have yet to materialize within the purview of the second pay commission, a matter left to the discretion of the second parliamentary session. This decision was fortified with an array of justifications, grounded predominantly in the prevailing economic turmoil besieging the nation.

Recent days have seen the circulation of speculations through the media, only to be subsequently debunked by the finance minister who, through the same media channels, definitively clarified the absence of any substantive discourse concerning the proposed remuneration adjustments. Such protracted uncertainties give rise to a palpable sense of disillusionment among the populace, as public expectations have been buoyed by the sanguine promises articulated during your campaign. Your explicit commitment to funding the salary revision through domestically generated revenue kindled optimism, further underscored by televised pledges from governmental representatives.

In the current milieu, the saying in Dzongkha, "Lotoe pai migi hingku," acquires a disconcerting relevance, aptly encapsulating the prevailing circumstances. The unsettling volatility in commodity prices continues unabated, with recent times witnessing a surge in the cost of various essentials. Illustratively, the price of a kilogram of Amul cheese has surged to approximately 440/- from its prior valuation of 393/-, while the cost of 800 grams of daily milk consumption has escalated to around 400/- from its previous mark of 342/-. Regrettably, these fluctuations likely compel economically marginalized citizens to curtail their consumption patterns, straining their ability to access basic necessities.

Conversely, the affluent strata of society remain relatively unaffected by these fluctuations. Regarded from the perspective of ordinary citizens, this dissonance evokes a sense of being deceived by the proverbial barking dog, a creature known for its vocalizations rather than its actions.

In light of these pressing concerns, we implore the second pay commission of Bhutan to expeditiously address the imperative of salary revision. This call to action is underpinned by the recognition that robust economic growth is not only pivotal for enhancing the quality of human existence but also a conduit for facilitating improved healthcare, education, and an array of vital social amenities.

Our collective hopes and prayers are fervently vested in the expectation that the forthcoming recommendations from the pay commission will bear forth constructive outcomes, thereby inching us closer to the realization of Gross National Happiness (GNH) within our beloved nation.

Legacy of my Life

His early existence proved to be a challenging journey, a realization that dawned on him during his formative years between the ages of four and five. In those tender moments, he would often find himself amidst his peers, engaging in play amidst the dusty surroundings. As his runny nose persisted, his once-pristine shirt gradually transformed into a coarse covering, its fabric entwined with the tenacious evidence of his relentless nasal flow. While his companions donned garments of opulence and elegance, his attire resembled more of a makeshift robe than a shirt. The meager cloth struggled to enshroud his entire body, particularly faltering in concealing his lower abdomen, imposing a daily struggle upon him.

This singular shirt became his constant companion, faithfully accompanying him through both the illuminated hours of day and the shrouded moments of night, until the prospect of a replacement emerged. The very fabric that clothed him also provided refuge to tiny inhabitants, as lice sought refuge in its every nook and cranny, their presence an unavoidable consequence he had to accept, particularly with the impending frigid embrace of winter.

In the early hours of dawn, he embarked on the arduous journey to the maize field located kilometers away from his humble abode, tasked with gathering precious consignments of maize corn. Sometimes, he would toil in the maize field, digging and cultivating until the arrival of his school-bound responsibilities beckoned. Amidst this demanding schedule, he managed to steal a brief moment for breakfast before setting off for his educational pursuits.

Another duty called to him: the grazing of his horse. Leading the equine companion to verdant meadows, he would tether it securely, allowing it to indulge in nature's bounty. His school day was a whirlwind of activities, leaving him fatigued even before the commencement of the first period. Yet, driven by an unwavering determination and a thirst for knowledge, he persevered, absorbing the lessons despite the fatigue that threatened to encumber him.

The horse's grazing sessions were a structured part of his day, the creature's patient gaze silently awaiting its owner's direction to shift locations. Moments of leisure and camaraderie with friends were a luxury he could scarcely afford, as he used each break to hasten to his horse's side for its repositioning. This routine persisted through lunchtime as well.

Post-school hours saw him guiding his horse homeward, where his stepmother awaited their return. She would inspect the horse's belly, a visual indicator of whether the animal had been suitably nourished by its grazing activities. The threat of her displeasure loomed – a withholding of meals if the horse's well-being had been neglected.

Tragedy had visited his life at an early age, with the loss of his birth mother when he was just three. While memories of her remained elusive, he later comprehended that he was residing under the care of his stepmother, a figure who entered his life following the void left by his biological mother's departure.

Interview with Ugyen

1. Interviewer: Greetings, Ugyen.
2. Ugyen: Hello, and warm regards.
3. Interviewer: I hope you don't mind, as I have a few inquiries to make of you.
4. Ugyen: Not at all, you have my sincere welcome.
5. Interviewer: Sir, could you kindly share the duration of your tenure as an educator within this esteemed institution?
6. Ugyen: It has been nearly five years now since I commenced my journey here.
7. Interviewer: Could you elaborate on the specific subjects you are currently imparting?
8. Ugyen: Certainly. Over the past five years, I have been dedicated to teaching Physics to students of grades IX and X. Moreover, I have been instructing Physics to students of grade 11 for a span of two years, and I also temporarily taught Mathematics to grade 11 students for a period of one month.
9. Interviewer: Have you had the opportunity to engage in tasks such as exam paper moderation, evaluation, or serving as a visiting examiner?
10. Ugyen: Indeed, I have. I have undertaken visiting examiner responsibilities for a duration of three years. Furthermore, I participated in the evaluation process for grade 12 Physics once, while my involvement in paper moderation has been absent thus far.
11. Interviewer: In comparison to other subjects, could you outline the advantages you perceive as a science teacher?
12. Ugyen: As a science educator, I find myself in a relatively static position presently, owing to my limited attendance at workshops. The content I presently deliver is primarily rooted in my initial training from the institute.
13. Interviewer: Have you ever pursued any of the scholarships facilitated by RCSC?
14. Ugyen: Certainly, I have made attempts. I applied once for the Trongsa Penlop scholarship and another time for the TICA scholarship in Thailand.
15. Interviewer: May I inquire about the outcomes of those attempts?
16. Ugyen: Regrettably, I was listed as a standby candidate for 5 slots in the TPS scholarship selection, and for the TICA scholarship in 2013, I secured the 19th position.
17. Interviewer: Do you harbor intentions of furthering your own education?
18. Ugyen: Yes, I aspire to pursue a master's degree in either Mathematics or Physics. However, it has proven to be a challenge for educators like myself who graduated before 2009, as attending interviews deducts marks due to the absence of an RCSC exam appearance. In contrast, those who graduated after 2009 receive extra marks for attending the RCSC exam. My enthusiasm has waned, and I am contemplating alternative paths.
19. Interviewer: In terms of your professional satisfaction, how do you view your role as an educator?
20. Ugyen: Undoubtedly, I do. Beyond classroom instruction, the multitude of responsibilities and extracurricular involvements make teaching an arduous endeavor. While a simpler focus solely on classroom teaching might seem appealing, the amalgamation of academic and non-academic commitments leaves us with scarce moments to simply pause and reflect.
21. Interviewer: I extend my gratitude for your generous allocation of time. Until we meet again.
22. Ugyen: I appreciate your kind words. Rest assured, this rare occasion is no bother to me, but rather a privilege.