Module: PS203
– Government and Politics in Bhutan
Credit
value: 12
Programme:
B.A.
PS General Objective:
There
are major
changes taking place in the political dynamics of Bhutan. These changes have both long term and short
term implications for the Bhutanese society and politics. To understand these changes a comprehensive study of the Bhutanese
political system is needed. Here the study of Constitution in detail is the primary objective. The other major actors in the political process like the political parties are also important
to understand the political
milieu of Bhutan.
Finally an introduction to the legal system
will provide a basic understanding of the laws.
Learning
outcome:
On
the successful completion of the module the students
will be able to:
• Analyse correctly
the rapid development of democracy
in Bhutan.
• Gain in-depth knowledge
about the Constitution of Bhutan
• Understand the basic legal framework of Bhutan.
• Analysis of the major political
and social problems.
• Have
an introductory knowledge of the
local government of Bhutan.
• Have
a comprehensive knowledge
about the evolution and structure of party system in Bhutan
• Understand the challenges to nation building and development.
• Compare Bhutanese constitution with other Monarchical systems.
Learning
and teaching approach: Lectures (30 hours)
Workshops/presentations (20 hours) Group discussions (20 hours) Assignments (50 hours)
This module counts for 120 credits,
divided over a period of 15 weeks. With a maximum of 8 hours
per week, the number of teaching hours is two per week.
Workshops and hours
of debate count together
for three hours. Three
hours are being reserved
for self-study and research.
Assessment:
End
Semester Examination (40%)
Mid
Semester Examination (15%) Written
Assignment (15×2 =30%)
Assignment Presentation (10%)
Class Participation (05%) Final Examination (40%) Pre-requisite knowledge:
Political
History of Bhutan (PS-102)
Subject
matter:
Part 1: Recent Political History
1.
Importance of Monarchy
2. Religion
and politics
3.
Concept of Gross National happiness
4.
Evolution of Democracy
Part 2: The Constitution
1.
Preamble
2.
Fundamental Rights and Duties
3.
Legislature, Executive and Judiciary
4.
Monarchy
5.
Elections
6.
Bureaucracies
7.
Other institutions
Part
3: Fundamentals of the legal
system of Bhutan:
Hierarchy of Courts, Different types of courts,
Civil and criminal procedure Acts, Penal code of Bhutan, Judicial service Act.
Part
4: Party System in Bhutan
1.
Evolution
2.
Ideology
3.
Challenges
Part
5: Local Government in Bhutan
Powers and constituents of:
1. Dzongkhag
Tshogdu,
2. Thromde Tshogde,
3. Gewog
Tshogde,
Part
6: Major Challenges to Bhutan’s Nation Building and development
1. Language
2. Poverty
3. Education
4. Regional
disparity
6. Cultural protection
7. Other
issues
Part 7: Gross National
Happiness (GNH):
1. Understanding
the concept of GNH
2. Political significance of GNH
3. GNH
and Bhutanese foreign policy
4. GNH and the development debate in Bhutan
5. Importance of GNH in shaping the future of Bhutan
Part
8: New Important Resolutions and Acts of Parliament:
1. Bhutan 2020: a vision for peace prosperity and happiness
2. Anti
corruption Act 2006
3. Cooperatives
Act 2001
4. Civil
Society organizations
5. Other
recent important acts
Part
9: A study of Some Constitutional
Monarchies:
1. Thailand
2. Jordan
3. Sweden
4. Cambodia
Reading
list:
Text
Books
A.C.
Sinha,(1998) Bhutan : Ethnic Identity and National Dilemma,
Advent Books Division, Delhi.
Bhabani
Sen Gupta, (1999) Bhutan : Towards a Grass-root Participatory Polity.Konark
Publishers, Delhi.
Dhurba
P. Rizal ,(2001) Bhutan : Decentralization and Good Governance, Adroit, Delhi
Jaiwanti
Dimri, (2004)The Drukpa Mystique : Bhutan in 21 Century,
Authorspress,Delhi.
Parmananda(1991) The Politics
in Bhutan : Retrospects and prospects, Sage Publications, Delhi.
The Constitution of The Kingdom
of Bhutan. 2005.
Reference
Books
Evans,E.J
(1981) The political parties in Bhutan 1783-1867, .
M.S.
Kohli,(2004) Bhutan : A Kingdom in the Sky,Vikas, delhi
Norbu
Ramphel,(1999)Bhutan Through the
Ages, Anmol publications, Delhi.
Sanjay
Acharya ,(1999) Bhutan : Kingdom
in the Himalaya, Heian International,New delhi
Robert
Dompnier,(1999) Bhutan : Kingdom of the Dragon, OUP, New Delhi.
Centre
for Bhutan studies publications and
Government Documents