Tour report - Totally Official

His Excellency Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi, Hon’ble Minister for Labour and Human Resources was the chief guest at the 102nd National day celebration in Pemagatsel dzongkhag.
Hon’ble Lyonpo and his entourage left the capital on the 13th of December via Trongsa and Trashigang. On December 15 2009, His Excellency formally inaugurated the Regional Employment and Labour Office in Trashigang. In his address to the public at the inauguration of the Office, His Excellency mentioned the increasing number of job seekers in the country every year. Thus, the need for such an office to provide employment and labour services to the employers and job seekers in the region. The office will cater to four dongkhags in the east namely, Trashiyangtse, Mongar, Lhuentse and Trashigang,
After the inaugural ceremony, Lyonpo and his entourage left for Pemagatsel on the same day. On December 16, 2009 Lyonpo visited Khar VTI and Druk Satir Gypsum mining sites. With regard to the site identified for VTI construction in Khar Gewog, Lyonpo informed the Dzongda and Gup that despite the fact that the site for the construction of the VTI was identified by the Government long time back, a need to look in to its future viability was felt necessary in view of the under-enrolment of trainees in the existing VTIs. Lyonpo expressed concern that the new VTI may not have enough enrolment, and as such, not prudent on the part of the Government to go ahead with its construction. Further, there was a confirmed funding only for one VTI and IZC each in the 10th FYP. Lyonpo also informed that the other possibility the Ministry tried of proposing was constructing a power training institute. However,as no hydropower projects is likely to come up near by Pemagatsel Dzonkhag neither soon nor in the foreseeable future, this was also found not feasible. Lyonpo informed Dzongda and Gup that in view of the circumstances, it would be advisable for the Dzonkhag to come up with alternative plans to use the identified site.
After Khar visit Lyonpo inspected all the mining and factory sites and met the staff and employees of Druk Satir. Lyonpo had discussions with the top management, staff and employees alike on the whole range of issues such as employment, working conditions, occupational health and safety, environmental protection, etc. On whole, the mining practices as well as employment and working conditions were found in pretty good order.
On December 17, 2009, Lyonpo was received with chipdrel precession to the celebration ground. The day took off with the singing of the National Anthem and listening to His Majesty the King’s Royal Address to the nation, live from the capital.
In his address to the people and students of pemagatsel dzongkhag, Lyonpo highlighted the significance of the day to the Bhutanese people. Lyonpo reiterated the significance and visions shared of our beloved Monarchs for the well being of Bhutan and the Bhutanese people. The day ended successfully with various cultural programmes performed by students and public representing different schools and Gewogs of the Dzonkhag.
In the same evening Lyonpo and his entourage left for Samdrupjongkhar after paying a visit to Yongla Gonpa. Lyonpo was received by Dasho Dzongda and other senior officials of Samdrupjongkhar Dzongkhag Administration.
On December 18, 2009, Lyonpo inaugurated another Regional Employment and Labour Office in Samdrupjongkhar. Lyonpo once more stressed on the importance of such an office in the region which would not only cater to the needs of job seekers but discharge labour related functions and services. His Excellency also informed the gathering about the 14 Rules and Regulations under the Labour and Employment Act, 2007 that were released recently and the nine regulations on Occupational Health and Safety that is due to be released soon. Lyonpo said that the opening of this office symbolizes the deep love, care and affection that the Royal Government of Bhutan has for the youth of the country. Lyonpo further added that for the RGoB to achieve the objectives of the country, whether on employment or Labour fronts, MoLHR seeks the support of all its citizens. He said that though the challenges are daunting, the vision of the Royal Government can be achieved easily if all the citizens of Bhutan work collectively.
The entourage arrived in the capital on 20 December 2009 via Mongar after a very fulfilling and productive trip.

PS: This is the official report i have submitted to the Cabinet, the unofficial one will be posted soon :)