This Act makes provisions for local governments. There shall be local governments in each of the twenty Dzongkhags. Local Governments shall comprise of: a) Dzongkhag Tshogdu; b) Gewog Tshogde; and c) Thromde Tshogde. General powers of local government shall include: a) Promote conditions that will enable the pursuit of Gross National Happiness; b) Provide democratic and accountable government for local communities; c) Coordinate maintenance of peace, harmony and security in their jurisdictions; d) Preserve and promote culture and tradition; e) Promote conditions that are conducive to co-operation in community life and the integrity of the extended family structure; f) Ensure the provision of such social and economic services for the general wellbeing of the residents of the communities in a sustainable and equitable manner; g) Promote holistic and integrated area-based development; h) Protect monuments and sites of cultural and historical interests; i) Undertake any activity consistent with other relevant laws and policies of the country which may conserve and enhance the environment within the limits of the areas under its jurisdiction; j) Provide protection for women, children and the physically challenged and eliminate physical, mental and emotional abuse and violence against women and children; k) Protect public health; l) Encourage the involvement of communities and community organizations in matters of local governance (Sec.48). The Act further provides for: elections to local governments, chairperson, roles and responsibilities of members, transparency and accountability, committees, monitoring and coordination, financial autonomy, local government offices, offences and penalties, etc.
Bhutan · 2009-09-11