At the recent Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu, local leaders expressed concerns over the growing disregard for social etiquette or Driglam Namzha in the district. The local leaders raised the need to reinforce social etiquette at important social and official gatherings. According to the local leaders there, Bhutanese, both younger and older generations in the district, are not adhering to social etiquette.
Kilkhorthang Gup, Beda Moni Chamlagai who is also the Chairperson of Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu said although both residents and public officials in the district are adhering to Bhutanese etiquette, there is still room to strengthen the practice, especially during important occasions.
“During Royal audiences with His Majesty The King, we are repeatedly commanded to take active roles in preserving and promoting the country’s culture and traditions. His Majesty repeatedly says that the age-old culture and tradition are disappearing over the years. So, there is a need to come up with a strict protocol mandating the public to wear gho, Kira, and Tshoglham during occasions such as the annual Tshechu, Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Moenlam Chhenmo, and during Chipdrel procession for the National Day celebrations.”
Supporting the Chairperson’s views, some local leaders called for the need to standardize social etiquette across all the 12 gewogs in the district.
“For instance, it is mandatory for visitors to wear Kabney and Rachu while visiting gewog offices. But I feel some gewogs do not enforce this strictly. Therefore, it would be better if all gewog administrations follow it uniformly,” said Chabi Kumar Rai, Patshaling Gup.
“Outsiders are allowed to attend as observers during the Dzongkhag Tshogdu proceedings. But I am not sure if we are following proper etiquettes and procedures of the house,” said Phub Dorji, Sergithang Gup.
“It is easy to come up with etiquette guidelines but the problem lies in the implementation. We should also think about the specific rules and regulations needed to guide the implementation and punishment of defaulters. This is because the matter has not been discussed in the National Assembly also as of now and neither has defaulters been punished for not following social etiquettes,” said Yeshi, Mendrelgang Gup.
The house also deliberated on restricting the use of mobile phones during the Dzongkhag Tshogdu from the next session.
“Henceforth, please avoid bringing mobile phones inside the Dzongkhag Tshogdu hall. Make sure to switch off the device even if you bring it inside the hall. We see attendees busy on mobile phones in other meetings at the District Administration and the Gewog Administration,” said Beda Moni Chamlagai, Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson.
The house endorsed reinforcing basic etiquette during all official engagements including the Gewog Tshogde and important social events. If necessary, the district culture officer assured the house to conduct a basic refresher course on Bhutanese etiquette.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Phub Gyem
