Tsirang Dzongkhag is one of the smallest Dzongkhag in terms of geographical size. However, it is not so in terms of connectivity. The distance between Dzongkhag headquarter and gewogs and between gewogs has been well bridged by enlightened initiative of government through construction of farm roads in almost all the gewogs. Physical connectivity is now a reality.

As much as physical connectivity is important, virtual connectivity is equally if not more important. Bhutan ICT Policy and Strategy (BIPS) has paved way and unstinted growth of ICT in the country. ICT has the potential to drastically improve the pace of socio-economic development in the country. But this advantage can be taken only if people have access and interest to use the ICT facilities. The government through BIPS has created DIT, which in turn has created ample opportunities for people of all walks of life to access the ICT facilities. The most sought after of all the ICT facilities is the access to worldwide web that has been made possible by DIT through the establishment of community e-centers in the rural areas.

As far as the interest component is concerned, it is up to every one of us to decide whether we wish to remain informed of not. Information is knowledge and knowledge gives you ideas, which translates into power when used correctly. ICT provides the basis for personal and financial independence. The choice, therefore, is obvious. Through this forum, I would like to inform all the web surfers to encourage people to access ICT facilities and use it to their best advantage.

The launching of the Dzongkhag website is also very timely. With the democratic election round the corner and “good governance” being emphasized as never before, there is a need for public to understand what services are provided and how; what procedures are involved; what are the benefits and how can things be simplified. Even as the Dzongkhag website launched may not provide all answers at the moment, we must take delight in the fact that the objective of “good governance” – through this social pillar is being pursued in all earnest towards achieving Gross National Happiness.

While the Dzongkhag Administration pleased to launch website for the first time, we would on the same note, request surfers to bear with us for any incomplete information. Your valued suggestions on the content can be posted to our web administrator at tensonwangs@hotmail.com for further improvement.

We will work towards continuous improvement both in content and design of our web page so as to entice more surfers.

Happy surfing!

Lhendup R Wangchu
DZONGDAG