June 25, 2014

Lively June

June month have seen several significant events unfold- both national and international. At the national front, the state visit of a newly elected Indian prime minister ushered in new dimension to the already stabilized ties of the two countries. Further, the prime ministers’ address to the national assembly gave new hopes for politicians and Bhutanese people, initially, of which it was rumored to have aroused tension in the air. Now that we are aware of his noble intentions behind the visit, there is hardly any room for one to harbor suspicion. Interestingly, his articulation of upholding the age old friendship between the two like milk and water was yet another strong message that assures future assistance of any sorts.

Other areas of interest included doubling of scholarship slots, tourism and installation of e-libraries across the length and breadth of the country. I am of steadfast faith that the man would come up with list of priorities that will best suit Bhutan’s interest.

On the contrary, there were lots of grievances over the media on the recent pay revision. It took parliamentarians several rounds of discussion to arrive at a consensus that made everyone at least not go gaga. Whether or not the decision is palatable, everything is out on the newsprint, and the tentative implementation is due in come July. 

While away from home, it is the destination Brazil which is still underway with so much of twists and turns. There is no denying that the global event is once in a life time affair for few countries and that this time of the year is most jubilant. Not only does the show comes in great surprise packages and frustrations for field fans, but also for those viewing live through television. Of the many, the early check out of defending champion, Spain, was the greatest surprise ever. It was sad to see world number 1 make their exit out of world cup. Even Spanish fans around me are exasperated to the brink and have already teamed up with Brazil to avenge the Dutch for great humiliation done to Spain. However, I am hopeful that if the two goes on head to head with each other anytime, the Dutch is going to be no different from what they were in 2010 world cup.

The other package is my students who are compromising destination Zhemgang in the name of cheering up for their teams. Even exam doesn’t seem to bring them fear. Few opined that the world cup is rare event and not a single match should be missed at least for this time. Are they going nuts?

While on the other end, the school has officially embarked on its maiden journey of autonomy towards achieving greater feats in future. Community and stakeholders were also involved to work towards the well-being of the institution. And having witnessed the response, it was encouraging to see many of our parents take up the concern and responsibilities. We are certain that the contribution would help school maneuver in right direction and earn us the good reputation.

June 10, 2014

Pay hike and my house owner

Of late, my house owner who is a dutiful man is often seen missing from his daily chores of tending cattle. Other times, he would even not dare to let them out of his sight, let alone setting them free in others area. Quite strangely, my friend’s kitchen plot which is of little size was robbed out of everything and when enquired, it was my owners’ cattle. Initially, I refuted saying that it might not be his cattle but to my dismay, it was the maroon colored cow that did the damage.
Later I conveyed my friends’ panic to him and asked if he was keeping well, because I have never heard of any complaints from others before. He wittily responded, “Everything is sound and commiserated for the damage”.

Wondering over his frequent absence out door, I felt that he was having problems but I didn’t intrude further pondering it was not my business.

Not until few days that I came to know about his cause of remaining indoor. He was covertly keeping strict check on the national assembly discussions and BBS news. From Shingkhar Gorkhan highway to tobacco control bill, he was updated on everything tabled in the parliament house. On the particular, he was more curious on the pay hike and housing allowance pledged by the government during canvassing period.

I was amazed by his way of vigilance on everything deliberated in the house when he was still oblivious of where his cows were straying. Luckily, it was too good of his cows that they did not encroach into others area in his absence and hauled him into trouble.

Anyhow, it was a clear indication to me that the house rent should be increased any time after the revision. However, since the vacillation of percentage in pay hike because of various plight of the current economic status, my owner seems to be disappointed and uninterested. He didn’t quite like the idea of parliamentarians on not being decisive.

As usual his presence outdoor became prompt. From what I surmised is that he was not very much into the assembly deliberations thereafter and even appeared reluctant to know what percentage of hike was discussed in the house.

With so much of fluctuation in the decision, he was equally confused as to what percent he should increase my house rent.

While it remains as his supremacy to inflate the house tariff, I wish he is as well aware of the tenancy act and impose accordingly.  It has not yet been two years since I last rented his house. Whatsoever, he is not going to spare me from snowballing the rent.
This is the side effect of pay hike on tenants.

How is your house owner reacting to the pay inflation?