The Royal Government of Bhutan has launched an initiative for Accelerating Bhutan’s Socio-Economic Development (ABSD) in achieving our aspiration to make Bhutan a self-reliant nation by 2020 and establish a sound foundation for democracy. The ABSD initiative has a three-pronged agenda to:

a) Improve efficiency and effectiveness of public services,
b) Generate substantial portion of the job required during 10th five year plan, and
c) Enhancing and managing change to ensure real and sustained impact.

We have prioritized the areas requiring more concerted effort by the government. We have also hired McKinsey & Company, based on a thorough competitive review, to bring best practices from around the world in forming our strategies towards meeting our 10th plan targets and provide on-ground support in translating ideas into action.

It is my firm belief that the ultimate responsibility of achieving our aspirations lies with our own leaders of the Cabinet as well as the Civil Service. They will need to assume full ownership and accountability for delivering the initiatives agreed as part of ABSD agenda. To this effect, my colleagues in various agencies signed Compacts with me committing fully to achieve prioritized initiatives in their respective sectors. The compact signing, even though new to our government culture contains tangible outputs and targets measured by assessable performance indicators.  It brings about clear line of responsibility and enhances accountability of the signatories. I am personally committed to working with each of the signatories in maximizing their ability to succeed. To ensure progress, periodic review mechanism has been established through establishment of Performance Facilitation Unit (PFU) at the GNHC. PFU reports to me on a regular basis and brings to my notice issues that require my attention.

People’s faith and confidence in the institution of democracy depends on what it has to offer and all Bhutanese are equally responsible towards sustenance of this gift bestowed by our beloved kings. Knowing that our bureaucracy is one the most accomplished and represents the best of Bhutan’s professional talent, I have no doubt in their ability to support an agenda that is central to achieving the aspirations of our nation. I wish everyone, who is involved in fulfilling these aspirations, my very best.

Tashi Delek!