Nawang P Phuntsho

“Is teaching considered a noble profession in Bhutan?” a poll on BBS website asked the visitors. And the options provided is (1) Yes and (2) No! Hmmm. (This is how it goes) This is a tough one. And before I click an option, I would like to ponder a brief. Really briefly here and cast my vote.  This makes me ponder a bit. Teaching is, irrespective of geographical boundaries, a noble profession. No doubt about that. But is it in Bhutan? Teaching par se is a noble profession everywhere. Bhutan should not be an exception. Making someone’s children learn is so much exciting and at the same time the most satisfying experience. This is how all teachers feel. Apologies to those teachers who landed up in a wrong work place; many dedicated teachers see their professions in that perspective. But the recent incident at a private school in Thimphu was seriously a serious blow to the profession in particular and the nation in general.  That unfortunate incident must have made

Penstar photo: Dying spirit of the bankers I am not a banker (well, I was once and no more now), but the recent decision by the central bank to suspend the dividend and bonus payouts is outrageous to say the least. I am not a financial expert. Yet I believe the central bank’s decision to withhold the bonus payouts to the employees working in the bank does not hold water. I am sure that’s not a big number by any means. The issue cropped up when one day RMA suddenly woke up and decided to close accounts held in banks acby non-resident Indians in the banks in the border towns. Accounts worth millions were closed following the order. And then suddenly they claimed there is liquidity issue.  Earlier some banks had excess liquidity – meaning the banks were accepting more deposits but giving out less loans. But now with huge amounts being withdrawn, banks are no more in position to lend money. That’s where banks fail – will go out of business. Of course any payouts would hur