man for all seasons wins a term as minister tandinwangchuk MoH: He is perhaps the only person, so far, who never worked in government organisation, but went on to become a minister. Which could also be the reason why his appointment as the health minister came as a surprise to many. But minus this, the new minister of health, Tandin Wangchuk from Changkha, Gase tshogom gewog in Wangduephodrang, is a complete package: a monk, construction supervisor, truck driver, chimi (peoples’ representative) and now minister. Thus, his relatives and neighbours describe him as a man who has done everything and can do anything. “It’s no surprise that he’s a minister because, given his proven track record, he can handle it,” a villager from Gaselo said. After quitting monkhood, having lived for four years in Punakha dzong, Tandin, the eldest of six siblings, worked to earn for himself since the eighth standard. He started working during winter vacations, while his friends were at home, in his uncle’s construction site. Each winter after that, he worked at different construction sites, rising in position each year: from supervisor to driver of the company’s only truck, manager after he graduated with a bachelor of commerce from Delhi university, India, and finally the chief executive officer after his uncle expired. As his position rose, so did the prospect of the company and when he resigned, he handed over to his kin a class A construction company worth millions. His interest in politics drew him to become a chimi (peoples’ representative) in 2007 and, in the following year, contested as a candidate of People’s Democaratic party from Athang-Thedtsho constituency. The 47-year old ardent archer and heavy doma (areca nut) chewer sees a lot common between his new mandate and his past experiences. “Running a ministry and a huge construction company has a lot more in common,” he said. “It’s all about managing people and the wise use of resources”. Not having the experience of working in the government, he said, could well be his advantage. That way he won;t do what he thinks is right but opt to consult his subordinates and professionals in the ministry to make the best decisions. Devolving power to the professionals or staff to do their work, and keeping in touch with the people are his tried and tested methods of ensuring productivity, or straightening the system into one that delivers results. “Because I didn’t have a huge status earlier, I won’t hesitate to mingle with people and discuss issues with them,” the father of three said. He said change would come slowly but surely. “Just because we said there would be change, we don’t want to rush and do things recklessly. Instead study things properly and get things done,” he said. There are no grand celebrations to mark the occasion today. His mother, a farmer, came to Thimphu yesterday to take part in the ceremony today. “All of them are shocked with the appointment but happy,” he said. His family moves into the ministerial enclave today. By Tshering Palden
Posted on: Sun, 28 Jul 2013 11:18:58 +0000
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