Third Druk Gyalpo Jig

Critically analyze the role of third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the process of democratization.

His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was enthroned in 1952 as the third hereditary king of Bhutan, who is known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. His Majesty initiated numerous reforms and during his reign Bhutan has changed from an absolute monarchy to a multi -party democracy. The development of Bhutanese democracy has been marked by the active encouragement and participation of people since 1950s, during reign of third monarch Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The process of modernization and democratization was initiated by the Third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (October 27, 1952 – July 21, 1972) within increasing internal and external political

The Royal Advisory Council was established in 1965 and served as the coordinating link between the legislature and the executive. The council advised the king and the council of ministers on key issues of policy and ensured the implementation of the resolutions passed by the National Assembly The institutions of the Tshogdu and Lodroe Tshogde guaranteed that the voices of the people were heard through their representatives. This was one of the first initiatives toward decentralized decision making. For example, before 1960s the system of government was absolute monarchy and it was coordinated by king. Therefore, during the reign of third king power of legislature and executive were handed over to Royal Advisory Council. The democratic process made by third Druk Gyalpo was the freedom granted to the serfs is a great gift. The serfs were given land and resettled away from their masters to avoid any tensions and uneasy feelings that might brew between them. They could now enjoy the fruits of their sweat and be free and full citizens. In olden days slave were served to their landlord and they ate what landlord gave them. For instance most of the people living in western Bhutan were living under their landlord and do work for their lords. Third king abolished the serfs and granted freedom to slaves by providing

He had made foreign relation with India and abroad such as United State of America. This relation directly helped in starting five year plan and begins to modern development. Bhutan also applied for United Nations membership and attended its General Assembly in 1970, as an observer. Thereafter, with the support of India, Bhutan became the United Nation member on September 21st, 1971. Bhutan’s admission to the UN was represented by His Royal Highness Prince Namgyel Wangchuck, Lyonpo Sangay Penjor and Lyonpo Dawa Tsering. The United Nation soon became a gateway to the world for Bhutan as it enhanced its bilateral and multilateral relations. It also allowed Bhutan to become partners of development projects and received both technical and financial support from the UN agencies Bhutan’s sovereign status was further strengthened through the UN membership. According to Ura, K. “The first step toward planned economic development in Bhutan. A new beginning in the process of economic development was made in 1961 with the initiation of the First Five Year Plan with a budget of Rs. 174.7 million” (2008, pg.208). The Plan aimed primarily at building basic infrastructure like road, communication system, agriculture, animal husbandry, transport and power. The planned economic development propelled the country on the path of economic