KP Sharma 

As the Bhutan Education Blueprint 2014–2024 enters its final year, several key targets aimed at improving the country’s education system remain unfulfilled, according to the National Council.

The comprehensive policy document, endorsed to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and quality in education, outlines strategic goals crucial for aligning the education sector with national development objectives.

Despite significant financial investments and efforts over the past decade, realising these goals presents ongoing challenges.

The National Council’s special committee for education presented the findings to the National Council recently.

The Bhutan Education Blueprint was designed as a guiding framework for the Ministry of Education, setting forth a vision for a more equitable and effective education system.

Most NC members and the committee expressed discontentment over its failed achievements and lack of impactful results in some areas that were in the target.

A critical component was the formulation of an Education Act through multi-sectoral participation and consultation.

Unfortunately, this crucial legislation remains incomplete, leaving a significant gap in the policy framework needed to drive comprehensive educational reforms.

However, after series of debates in the National Assembly (NA), Education and Skill Development Minister, Yeezang De Thapa said that the national education policy 2024 will be implemented after it is done with the consultations with stakeholders and that it would address the necessary policy gaps. Lyonpo added that the education policy will serve like the act and ministry would first implement the national education policy and then think about the act in future if necessary.

Another unfulfilled initiative is the establishment of the National Teacher Council.

The Council was intended to standardise teacher registration, licensing, and professional conduct, ensuring educators meet high standards of professionalism and effectiveness.

The absence of this Council has impeded efforts to enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the country, as no centralised body oversees and regulates the teaching profession.

In addition, the construction of the Ministry’s Secretariat Office Complex, planned to improve coordination and resource sharing among various departments, has not been realised.

This infrastructure project was expected to facilitate better communication and collaboration within the Ministry, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the education sector.

Education and Skill Development Minister Yeezang De Thapa said that although the Bhutan Education Blueprint completes 10 years of implementation, the targets will be achieved in the 13th plan and some initiatives are still continuing.

According to the minister, the time-bound education council supposed to be instituted as per the Royal Kasho was not established because a steering committee chaired by the education secretary was decided upon instead.

This committee has initiated numerous works, such as the start of the Bhutan Baccalaureate curriculum in collaboration with the Royal Academy, the enhancement of STEM education, and involvement in the formulation of the education policy 2024.

Lyonpo added that for successful implementation of plans and activities in the coming years, a new education council will be instituted.

A substantial budget has been allocated for education, which is expected to address the pending issues not achieved by the Blueprint.

The ministry will focus on infrastructure development with 21st-century learning facilities, curriculum revision, professional development for teachers and principals, and school autonomy.

The Bhutan Education Blueprint’s unfulfilled programs highlight the need for a comprehensive legal framework and stronger institutional support to realise its ambitious goals, according to some NC members.