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India Releases Rs 42.3 Crore to Bhutan for Key Infrastructure & Cultural Projects

India has disbursed Rs 42.3 crore to Bhutan to support multiple projects under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan. The funding includes allocations for strengthening the Central Monastic Body's infrastructure and constructing a modern bridge. Additional funds are designated for upgrading a 17-km road segment and developing the Royal Institute of Management campus. This disbursement is part of India's broader Rs 10,000 crore commitment to bolster the longstanding development partnership between the two nations.

Key Points: India Funds Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan with Rs 42.3 Crore

  • Rs 42.3 crore released for 13th Five-Year Plan
  • Funds for Central Monastic Body infrastructure
  • Allocation for new Khuru-Kuenphen bridge
  • Road upgrades to improve transport efficiency
3 min read

India releases Rs 42.3 crore to Bhutan to support 13th Five-Year Plan projects

India disburses Rs 42.3 crore to Bhutan for monastic infrastructure, a major bridge, road upgrades, and campus development under bilateral partnership.

"facilitate smooth and fast movement of all types of vehicular traffic - Indian mission"

Thimphu, April 7

India and Bhutan held the 17th Monthly Coordination Meeting in Thimphu, where both sides discussed progress and charted next steps for projects underway in the Himalayan nation with the Indian government's support.

The meeting organised on Monday was co-chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Thimphu and the Director General of the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance (DMDF) in Bhutan's Ministry of Finance.

During the meeting, Indian Deputy Chief of Mission Aniket Govind Mandavgane handed over cheques amounting to Rs 42.3 crore (Bhutanese Nu 423 million) to the Bhutanese Ministry of Finance towards the implementation of projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan of the Himalayan nation.

According to the Indian Embassy in Thimphu, Rs 16.86 crore (Nu. 168.6 million) was released for strengthening infrastructure facilities for the Zhung Dratshang, the Central Monastic Body in Bhutan.

The funding aims to create conducive living, learning, and spiritual environments; preserve and continue cultural and spiritual practices; and ensure the sanitation, safety, and well-being of monks and nuns.

Additionally, Rs 15.01 crore (Nu. 150.1 million) was allocated for the construction of the modern, high-standard Khuru-Kuenphen bridge on Bajo-Khuru SNH, which was inaugurated on March 27.

Meanwhile, to improve road transport, Rs 5.44 crore (Nu. 54.4 million) was released for upgrading 17 km of road to the standard of a Primary National Highway to align with the entire length of the Northern East West Highway (NEWH).

The Indian mission said that this project is expected to "facilitate smooth and fast movement of all types of vehicular traffic and reduce travel time and vehicle operating cost as well as risk for the commuters."

Furthermore, Rs 4.99 crore (Nu 49.9 million) was released for the upgrade and development of the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) campus, including renovation of hostels; procurement of library resources, computers and accessories for labs and offices; and establishment of linkages with Indian institutions.

Both sides also reviewed progress and addressed implementation issues of Government of India-supported projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan.

This included 'Human Resource Development and Skilling Programmes' being implemented by the Bhutanese Ministry of Education and Skills Development to enhance productivity and performance of the workforce engaged in different priority sectors through re-skilling and up-skilling activities.

The meeting also discussed the status of implementation of activities under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), the Indian Embassy mentioned.

India has committed Rs 10,000 crore total for the plan period, with regular disbursements covering infrastructure, including colleges and irrigation, mega farms, and governance initiatives to strengthen the longstanding bilateral development partnership.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Happy to see the funding for the Central Monastic Body. Preserving Bhutan's unique cultural and spiritual heritage is so important. The support for RIM's linkage with Indian institutions is also a smart move for long-term cooperation in education.
R
Rohit P
Rs 42.3 crore is a significant amount. While I fully support helping our friendly neighbour, I hope there is complete transparency in how these funds are utilized. Our own villages need road upgrades too. Just a thought.
S
Sarah B
The focus on skilling programmes is excellent. Building human capital is the best investment for any nation's future. Helping Bhutan upskill its workforce will lead to sustainable economic growth for them.
V
Vikram M
Bhutan is a true friend. This kind of support is not just about money, it's about partnership. The regular monthly coordination meetings show a commitment to seeing projects through, not just announcing them. Good work.
K
Karthik V
The breakdown of funds is very clear - roads, bridges, monasteries, and education. This is holistic development. A stable and prosperous Bhutan is in India's strategic interest. This is foreign aid done right.

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