STRATEGIES FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE , BUMTHANG, BHUTAN Urban Policies & Planning Strategies for Achieving Prosperity in Cities STRATEGIES FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE , BUMTHANG, BHUTAN Tshering Dorji Senior Urban Designer/Architect, Department of Human Settlement Ministry of works and Human Settlement

Location Area = 8 sq km Population = 20,000 Dekiling Chamkhar Jalikhar

Location 1981 2013

CPI Results 1981 2013

CPI Results 1981 2013

Problem Identification Infrastructure Development Poor infrastructure has failed this town to be prosperous and sustainable in terms of balancing socio-economic development which is one of the four pillars of Gross National Happiness of Bhutan. Urban Governance on Municipal Finance and Institutional Capacity Promoting prosperity involves deployment of proper laws, regulations and institutions which have direct or indirect bearing on equity, productivity, infrastructures and living standards, and which extend across to length and breadth of the whole jurisdiction of the relevant urban authority. Presently, the Governor of the District has responsibilities over 4 Geogs (Block) including Bumthang Town. Therefore not much of attention is been received at town. 2013

Objective Setting - Goal Setting Good Governance by electing Mayor and framing Municipal’s Fiscal Policy to achieve balance and equitable socio-economic development Goal Setting Objectives: Achieve self reliant. Reduce dependence on government’s funding and subsidy. Decentralization the authorities Public participation Taking the ownership of the town Better infrastructures to the town 2013

Strategies Actions and Activities Department of Human Settlement will be custodian of framing strategies and initiate this. With the approval from the Director or if necessary from the Minister, a small task force will be formed to frame the policy Conduct survey and data compilation and work in close consultation with National Statics Bureau Consult with the Election Commission of Bhutan and appraise government for the need of Mayor. Since Thimphu and Phuntsholing City Corporation has more experience it would be necessary and profound to learn from their experiences. Therefore, there is a need to consult with TCC to support on this proposal through participation and sharing their views both on the Municipal Finance and framing of local government body. 2013

Tashi Delek