Agency: A total of Nu 800 million (mn) has been allocated for crop and livestock insurance as part of the government’s broader social insurance program under the 13th Five-Year Plan.The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) has allocated Nu 2 billion (bn) for the overall implementation of the social protection system. Prime Minister (PM) Dasho Tshering Tobgay stated that the strategy has already been drafted and is at an advanced stage of finalization. It is expected to be deliberated by the Lhengye Zhungtshog soon.
Once approved, the strategy will serve as the guiding framework for implementing targeted programs aimed at ensuring the well-being of the population, with particular focus on the early childhood years, working age, old age, and death.PM emphasized that while developing a formal social protection system, Bhutan must not lose sight of the role of its Monarchs, who have long served as the ultimate source of protection for the Bhutanese people through the Kidu system. He noted that the upcoming strategy is intended to complement the Kidu system.
According to him, the social protection interventions being planned fall into three main categories.
The first is Social Insurance, which includes pension reform and coverage expansion, rural life insurance, maternity and paternity benefits, and the crop and livestock insurance for which the Nu 800 mn allocation has been made.
