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