The inevitable is
here. Serious impact on the economy in the light of COVID19: I believe Bhutan
should start planning and implementing. Earlier the better! Many of the options
would need policy interventions and pre-planning.
My two cents for
now.
- Damage control
right now itself, before it gets worse. People are expecting a miracle from the
government and spending off their money not realizing that we are only digging
the well deeper. Please save and use your resources judiciously – including office
supplies, food and fuel. Only use what really necessary
- Start with
Furlough for civil servants and others who do not have much work. 4 days
work/week- but same service- delivery, after making sure they complete services
on time. I am sure people will not mind the work and break while the government
can save money. Salary needs to be reduced by 4days/month- 20% salary
reduction! I am hope many people will not feel the pinch as there are many who
are going jobless now. By the way, this is a common practice in many countries
around world.
- Let all
government workshops/ seminars/ training/ travel and logistics be organized by
private travel agents and hotels. Many government officials spend days on such
works. Civil servants and corporate officials can then concentrate on
governance and service delivery while the private employees will be engaged!
- Involve our young
people immediately in the agriculture sector. esp mushroom farming/
floriculture etc, and others. Let them know that – the option is to go broke or
work in the farms for some time. Plough up all fallow lands!
- Try to include
young people into the construction sector. Convince them that only sweating can
get them food. It would save us money on labours and speed up work for more
well to do people. I am sure we will have enough jobs in the construction
sector.
