Consultancy and Research

Sl.No Client Project Funded By Year Brief Narrative Description Link to Report
01 Bhutan Transparency Initiative (BTI) Citizen Report on the Quality of Justice Services Provided by the Justice Sector Bhutan Transparency Initiative (BTI) 2022 The general objective of the assignment was to design and carry out a nationwide survey on the services provided by justice institutions.  
 
The specific objective of the survey was to:
Assess citizens’ perceptions and experiences of public services provided by justice institutions, namely RCJ, ACC, RBP, OAG, BNLI, BCB and BADRC.		  
02 FHI 360 LEGO Playful Parenting Implementation Research – Bhutan: Phone Survey [Workforce] FHI 360 2022 Data collection will involve administration of a phone survey to workforce ~3
months after training completion, to capture their level of comfort and
knowledge with playful parenting principles, the support and supervision they
receive, and their experiences in service delivery to caregivers.		  
03 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Gender Assessment in Hydropower, Road and Bridge Construction Sites Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 2022 The main objective of the assessment is to create a better understanding of the nature and magnitude of gender-specific issues and challenges in the hydropower, road, and construction sites. Link
04 FHI 360 LEGO Playful Parenting Implementation Research – Bhutan: Group Session [Workforce] FHI 360 2021 This component of the research design focuses on measuring workforce knowledge and
competencies in ECD and PP.		  
 05 Transparency International Assessment of the Bhutan Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Transparency International 2021 This assessment was conducted to gauge the progress made by ACC since the first assessment in 2015. It captured information on internal and external factors affecting ACC’s performance and opportunities for improvement and gathered vital information to help Anti-Corruption Agencies in their fight against corruption. It also provides practical solutions to the key challenges so that ACC and other relevant stakeholders can expand their anti-corruption efforts in Bhutan with greater impact.    
06 FHI 360 LEGO Playful Parenting Implementation Research – Bhutan: Training Observations [Workforce] FHI 360 2021    
07 FHI 360 LEGO Playful Parenting Implementation Research – Bhutan: Child & Caregiver Outcomes FHI 360 2021 This component of the research design focuses on whether child and caregiver
outcomes are sustained in the scaled-up versions of the program interventions, noting
the ways in which implementing partners modify and adapt programs for greater
scalability.		  
08 FHI 360 LEGO Playful Parenting Implementation Research – Bhutan: Community FGDs FHI 360 2021 This component of the research design focuses on shifting parenting norms and father
roles in child-rearing and playful parenting at the community level, as well as any
unexpected benefits throughout program rollout.		  
09 HELVETAS, Swiss Intercooperation, Bhutan An Assessment of Functioning of Chiwog Zomdu: A Case of Dorithasa, Gengo and Dangreygang Chiwogs HELVETAS, Swiss Intercooperation, Bhutan 2020 This study was undertaken to provide baseline information on the functioning of the Chiwog Zomdu so that the quality of the Zomdu could be enhanced as it is an important part of local governance. A three-phase (Baseline Survey, Monitoring Exercise, and Impact Evaluation) research  was undertaken to comprehensively achieve the purpose and meet the study’s objectives. Link
10 Department of IT and Telecom (DITT), Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) National ICT Baseline Survey, – Measuring ICT Access and Use by Households and Individuals. Department of IT and Telecom (DITT), Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) 2020 The general objective of this household-baseline survey was to design and carry out a comprehensive nationwide ICT baseline survey; and its specific objectives were to:
i. Understand the current national ICT access, use, perceptions and penetration levels;
ii. Understand the rural-urban gap on ICT literacy, services and facilities;
iii. Set a baseline for the ICT sector and its impacts on social and economic development including employment in the ICT sector; and
iv. Outline economic impact of ICT sector.		 Link
11 Market Resonance A survey on the effects of COVID-19. Market Resonance 2020    
12 HELVETAS Bhutan Public Perception of Civil Society Contributions to Local and National Development in Bhutan. The European Union 2020 This study was conducted to gather robust empirical evidence and lessons learned to help identify priorities for the CSO sector, partners and stakeholders involved. The findings from the study are expected to help better understand the public’s perception of the contributions of CSOs to local and national development, and changes in the perception over time. Link
13 The University of Hong Kong An off-site research support with specialist skills in knowledge of Early Childhood The University of Hong Kong 2020    
14 Bhutan Transparency Initiative (BTI) National Corruption Barometer Survey, (NCBS – 2020). Bhutan Transparency Initiative (BTI) 2020 This study was carried out to understand the corruption situation in the country based on the perception of the citizens and thereby establish reference points for awareness, education, and advocacy to facilitate the achievement of the National Key Result Areas in line with the 12th Five-Year Plan and beyond. Link
 15 The University of Hong Kong Data Collection for Evaluation of the Early Childhood Care and Development Programme in Bhutan The University of Hong Kong 2019 This study, the first-ever comprehensive national evaluation of ECCD, assessed the ECCD services through the spectrum of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.   Link
 16 Nielsen Company Lanka Operator and Enterprise Survey in South Asia Nielsen Company Lanka 2019      
 17 National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) Review and Formulation of the New National Plan of Action on Gender Equality, 2019-2023  National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) 2019 This research work involved review and analysis of the progress made in the implementation of the National Plan of Action on Gender (NPAG 2008-2013) and other gender equality interventions to  date, inclusive of gaps and opportunities; and led to a comprehensive National Plan of Action to promote gender equality that consisted of interventions, tentative budget and identified stakeholders.  The action document was aligned with  the key results areas in the 12th Five Year Plan and the National Gender Equality Policy.    
18 Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) Household-based baseline survey for Enhancing Sustainability and Climate Resilience of Forest and Agricultural Landscapes and Community Livelihoods in Bhutan GEF & UNDP 2019 This study aimed to operationalize an integrated landscape-based approach to climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation for improving the livelihood options for local communities in the project landscape dzongkhags, three national parks and four biological corridors. It also aimed at enhancing institutional capacity of integrated land management and climate change resilience across rural communities through climate-smart agriculture and enhanced infrastructure, and create a knowledge management system to support the sustainable management of forest and agricultural landscapes.  
19 HELVETAS, Swiss Intercooperation, Bhutan Ex-post Evaluation of Rural Livelihood Project (RLP) HELVETAS, Swiss Intercooperation, Bhutan 2018 This ex-post evaluation study was conducted to analyze and assess the effectiveness and sustainability of the Rural Livelihood Project (2012-2016) of HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation. The goal of the project was to contribute to the improved livelihood of the rural poor through holistic, community-driven and participatory approaches in four dzongkhags in Bhutan.  
 20 Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) Readership, Circulation, and Financial Performance of Newspapers in Bhutan Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority 2018 This study on the readership, circulation and financial performance of the newspapers in Bhutan is BICMA’s first such attempt at independently monitoring the newspapers’ performance across three primary engagements – readership, circulation, and financial performance. The study will help the authority ensure that the newspapers print and circulate their papers as per their required circulation figures proposed to the authority at the time of processing their licenses. The study aims to achieve four broad objectives, namely secure accurate circulation figures of the newspapers by verifying and validating circulation figures claimed by the newspapers, determining the readership of the newspapers, and verify and validating their financial performance, and developing a standard procedure and format of reporting circulation figures by the newspapers.    
21 National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) National Survey on Women’s Health and Life Experiences – A Study on Violence Against Women in Bhutan UNDP 2018 This study was the first of its kind and took stock of the situation and prevalence of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAW/G) in Bhutan and provided towards evidence-based planning and implementation of important national policies, including the formulation of the United Nations One Programme. Link
 22 Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Towards Enhanced Efficiency, Accountability and Transparency in Public Road Construction Swiss Agency for Development & Corporation 2017   Link  
 23 Asian Development Bank (ADB) Evaluation Report: Learning from eLearning – Testing Intelligent Learning Systems in South Asian Countries, Bhutan Chapter Asian Development Bank (ADB) 2016 This study was undertaken to assess the success of the ADB-supported MathCloud Project in Bhutan implemented in selected schools by the Ministry of Education since 2015.    
24 Bhutan Transparency Initiative (BTI) National Corruption Barometer Survey, (NCBS – 2016).  Bhutan Transparency Initiative (BTI) 2016 This study was conducted to assess the Bhutanese citizens’ perception of corruption and to establish a reference point for awareness, education, and advocacy on corruption prevention. It was the first survey of its kind ever conducted in Bhutan. The survey employed both quantitative as well as qualitative research methods. Link
 25 The University of Northampton Data Collection for Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) Study on Disabilities in Bhutan UNICEF 2016 The main objective of the study was to assess the overall situation on KAP of various stakeholders towards disabilities and disability services in the country, with a specific focus on CWDs. It also aimed to understand social and cultural norms and traditional practices that promote or inhibit CWDs’ participation and inclusion, and provide recommendations for the development of a communication strategy on social inclusion for CWDs in Bhutan. Link  
26 ADB and National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS) Action on Climate Change in South Asia – Building Institutional Capacity to reduce emissions from motor vehicles in Bhutan. ADB and National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS) 2016 This study was conducted to assess the challenges of achieving and sustaining rapid economic growth to reduce poverty and attain other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an era of accentuated risks posed by global climate change in South Asia developing member countries (DMCs). Its outcome would  be the increased investment and institutional capacity of South Asia DMCs to manage the impacts of climate change. Link
 27 Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) Bhutan Training Needs Assessment Survey  Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) 2016 This study adopted a stakeholder- centric approach. It included all the key stakeholders of tourism as a profit-making entity. The main objectives were to identify skills and levels of proficiency needed to perform specific functions and determine the current level of skills that the targeted groups had at the time of the study. The study further assessed the skills deficiency gap in the targeted group so that training providers and other policymakers are well informed.    
28 Project Management Unit, Decentralized Coordination and Partnerships for Gender Equality Results, NCWC Crèche Needs Assessment in Central Government Agencies ADB 2016 The specific objectives of the Crèche Needs Assessment are to understand the existing childcare
facilities and services available to working parents, assess demand for crèches at workplace and
subsequently identify central agencies with crèche needs on a priority basis.		  
 29 National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) National Survey on Violence Against Children and Young People in Bhutan UNICEF 2015 The study was undertaken to learn more about children’s experiences of violence and to generate a better understanding of the drivers and perpetrators of violence against children in Bhutan. It was designed to provide robust, evidence-based data gathered through multi-phased approaches (desk review, qualitative assessment and quantitative survey). The study provides recommendations to conceptualize policies, strategies and programmes to effectively prevent and respond to violence and in strengthening the child protection system in Bhutan. Link 
 30 The Ministry of Health (MoH) Mobile Data Collection for the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) UNICEF, Bhutan 2015 For the NNS, BIRD developed the web-based survey forms in tablets as per the survey questionnaire. All survey supervisors and enumerators were trained on the installation, configuration, and running of the aggregate Open Data Kit (ODK) server, in data collection using the tablets. Finally, BIRD consolidated and aggregated the NNS data and handed it over to UNICEF/MoH.  Link
31 Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) Outlook Survey Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) 2015    
32 Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan Registration of People Living with Disabilities (PWD) in Bhutan Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan 2015 This study aimed at gathering data to provide information relevant for developing and implementing public policy to ensure that PWDs have access to basic services and necessities, such as education, health care, social inclusion and individual rights within the Bhutanese society. Link
33 Human Resource Development Division (HRDD), Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) Employer Survey Human Resource Development Division (HRDD), Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) 2015    
34 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bhutan on Development Policy Analysis Division (DPAD) of United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) Fostering Private-Public Partnerships to Strengthen National Capacities for Designing, Implementing and Evaluating Development-oriented Macroeconomic Policies to generate Employment, Growth and Poverty Reduction United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bhutan on Development Policy Analysis Division (DPAD) of United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) 2015 The objective of the proposed consultancy contract is to avail UNDESA with necessary national
expertise to strengthen the capacities of the Royal Government of Bhutan to develop and use a Growth
Accounting Framework, which will contribute to informed policy decisions and facilitate more effective
public-private partnerships to boost investment and growth, as envisaged in EA1 of the Development
Project ROA-210.		  
 35 Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) Impact Assessment of Low Carbon Tourism Project European Union 2015 The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the Low Carbon Tourism Project in Bhutan through the prism of four key areas of carbon, water, energy and waste. The baseline study of 2012 was employed as the reference point in the study.  
36 Mekong River Commission, Office of the Secretariat in Vientiane (OSV) Statistician for Social Impact Monitoring and Vulnerability Assessment (SIMVA) Survey Mekong River Commission, Office of the Secretariat in Vientiane (OSV) 2014    
37 Department of Disaster Management (DDM), MoHCA Quantitative-Based  Survey  of  Awareness,  Preparedness,  and  Response Capacities   Related   to   Climate   Change-induced   Risks   and   Vulnerabilities,   and   the Documentation of Lessons and Experiences Department of Disaster Management (DDM), MoHCA 2014 This study aimed to assess the level of disaster awareness, preparedness and response capacities in vulnerable communities related to climate change-induced risk and vulnerabilities along the Punakha-Wangdue valley as part of the Government’s National Adaptation Program of Action project Reducing Climate Change-induced Risks and Vulnerabilities from GLOFs in the Punakha-Wangdue and Chamkhar valleys. The other objective was to document lessons learned and experiences from activities undertaken to raise awareness, improve preparedness and strengthen response capacities. Link
 38 Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) Bhutan Tourism Monitor (BTM) Annual Report  Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) 2014 This study was to provide evidence-based findings and forecasts to all stakeholders engaged in the tourism industry in Bhutan. The study presents a detailed statistical breakdown of tourist arrivals, first-hand feedback from the tourists and market intelligence which policymakers and private tourism entities can use for their interventions.    

Social Feeds

Bhutan Interdisciplinary Research & Development

2 months ago

Bhutan Interdisciplinary Research & Development
Toward Economic Resilience: Why Bhutan Needs Universal Basic Income Over Recurrent Stimulus PlansIntroductionFor over a decade, Bhutan has implemented Economic Stimulus Plans (ESPs) in response to economic challenges, especially aiming to address issues like unemployment, poverty, and the fiscal downturn caused by external shocks. However, these ESPs, particularly those introduced in 2013 and 2024, have faced extensive criticism due to their limited impact and issues with accessibility, sustainability, and inequitable benefit distribution. Now, more than ever, Bhutan stands at a critical economic juncture. Instead of cycling through stimulus plans with limited effectiveness, Bhutan could explore an innovative solution—Universal Basic Income (UBI). UBI offers a simpler, more inclusive, and potentially transformative approach to economic resilience and aligns well with Bhutan’s guiding principle of Gross National Happiness (GNH).This article aims to illustrate the shortcomings of past ESPs and propose UBI as a more viable alternative to foster sustainable economic well-being in Bhutan.Shortcomings of the ESPs in BhutanDespite their ambitious goals, Bhutan’s ESPs in 2013 and 2024 were hindered by similar issues that reduced their effectiveness. These issues reveal the fundamental flaws of traditional stimulus approaches that prioritize specific sectors over the broader economic and social fabric.ESP 2013: A Program with Limited Reach and Oversight Challenges1. Ineffective Implementation and Monitoring: ESP 2013 aimed to address structural economic challenges by increasing liquidity in financial institutions, supporting small enterprises, and creating employment. However, it lacked effective oversight, leading to poor utilization of funds. Misallocation was widespread, with some funds used to service existing debts rather than for productive investments, diluting the program’s intended impact on economic recovery​.2. Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) and Banking Vulnerabilities: The injection of credit into the banking sector caused a rise in NPLs, creating financial risks for banks. By prioritizing rapid disbursement without adequate assessment, the ESP contributed to unsustainable loan defaults, threatening Bhutan’s financial stability and impacting its fiscal health.3. Failure to Reduce Unemployment: Although unemployment was a key concern, ESP 2013’s focus on capital-intensive projects, such as importing machinery, did little to create jobs domestically. Much of the funding was directed towards machinery imports rather than supporting job-generating activities in Bhutan, ultimately limiting the program’s impact on employment creation.4. Widening the Rural-Urban Divide: While ESP 2013 aimed to foster economic resilience, it disproportionately benefited urban areas and businesses with established networks, excluding rural communities from meaningful participation. This unbalanced distribution of benefits inadvertently exacerbated Bhutan’s rural-urban divide.ESP 2024: Complex Processes and Limited Accessibility1. Reluctance from Financial Institutions (FIs): Under ESP 2024, collateral-free loans at a low interest rate of 4% were intended to stimulate economic activity. However, FIs were hesitant to participate due to perceived high risks, imposing strict eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. This reluctance led to sluggish disbursement, with only 12 out of 193 applications approved as of October 2024​.2. Bureaucratic Barriers and Cumbersome Application Processes: ESP 2024 demanded extensive documentation and sectoral clearances, creating barriers for small businesses and rural applicants. These bureaucratic obstacles discouraged many potential beneficiaries, making the ESP more accessible to urban, connected applicants while excluding those in rural areas with limited access to resources​.3. Strain on Financial Institutions and Fiscal Risks: The ESP 2024 places the risk of repayment on banks, mandating them to return funds to the government by 2029. Given the challenges of loan repayment in a struggling economy, this model risks further destabilizing financial institutions and placing long-term fiscal strain on Bhutan’s economy. The Case for UBI: A Path to Economic Inclusivity and StabilityConsidering these challenges, UBI emerges as a compelling alternative to Bhutan’s traditional ESPs. UBI’s design as an unconditional, regular cash payment directly to citizens would address many of the issues encountered by ESP 2013 and 2024, providing a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient approach to economic resilience.1. Inclusive and Simplified Access: Unlike ESPs that rely on complex applications, eligibility criteria, and multiple approvals, UBI is unconditional and accessible to all. It eliminates the need for documentation and reduces administrative costs, ensuring that even Bhutan’s rural populations have equal access to economic support​.2. Direct Economic Stimulus: UBI would stimulate economic activity from the ground up by providing citizens with a steady income. This direct injection of funds increases purchasing power, promotes consumer spending, and supports local businesses. By putting money directly in the hands of citizens, UBI would boost demand across Bhutan, including in rural areas that are often underserved by traditional stimulus measures.3. Reduction of Poverty and Inequality: UBI provides a universal safety net, reducing poverty and income inequality. It ensures a minimum income for all, directly addressing Bhutan’s high youth unemployment and bridging the income gap between rural and urban areas. By reducing poverty and inequality, UBI aligns with Bhutan’s core principle of Gross National Happiness, prioritizing social welfare alongside economic growth​.4.Support for Entrepreneurship and Education: With financial stability assured, citizens would be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship, education, and vocational training, contributing to a dynamic and skilled workforce. UBI provides the security needed for individuals to take economic risks, potentially fostering a culture of innovation and self-employment among Bhutan’s youth​.5. Reduced Administrative Costs: Implementing UBI would reduce the high administrative costs associated with ESPs, as it involves direct cash transfers rather than complex, sector-specific projects. By removing intermediaries, UBI would lower operational expenses, ensuring that more funds are directed towards citizens rather than administrative overhead​. Global Lessons and UBI’s Alignment with Gross National HappinessInternational examples show that UBI can positively impact well-being, employment stability, and economic resilience. Programs like the Stockton SEED in California demonstrated that UBI encourages employment and financial stability, while the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend has helped reduce poverty and improve child well-being​. The GiveDirectly program in Kenya has empowered rural communities, reduced poverty, and fostered local economic growth, highlighting UBI’s potential for poverty alleviation in rural Bhutan​.For Bhutan, UBI aligns seamlessly with Gross National Happiness by reducing financial stress, promoting social equality, and enhancing well-being. UBI’s direct support approach resonates with Bhutan’s holistic values, fostering a balanced, inclusive society where economic growth serves human happiness rather than purely financial metrics.Moving Forward: UBI as a Foundation for Bhutan’s Economic ResilienceThe recurring shortcomings of Bhutan’s ESPs reveal the limitations of sector-specific, complex stimulus programs in addressing systemic economic issues. UBI offers a transformative, long-term solution that addresses these limitations by providing a simple, inclusive, and direct financial safety net. By stimulating local economies, reducing poverty, and fostering entrepreneurship, UBI could become the foundation for a resilient Bhutanese economy that aligns with GNH principles.It’s time to rethink economic recovery through Universal Basic Income. UBI represents an opportunity to build an economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of all citizens. Instead of recycling stimulus plans with limited reach, Bhutan can lead the way in creating a robust economic model centered on the well-being and happiness of its people. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Bhutan Interdisciplinary Research & Development

7 months ago

Bhutan Interdisciplinary Research & Development
On this special day, we at Bhutan Interdisciplinary Research & Development (BIRD) extend our warmest wishes to Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. Your grace, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of our nation continue to inspire us all. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Bhutan Interdisciplinary Research & Development

1 years ago

Bhutan Interdisciplinary Research & Development
Are you interested in registering with us as a data collector?You won't need to go out into the field; you can complete tasks using your mobile phone.No need for contract signing.All meetings will be conducted virtually, with the exception that you may be required to attend in-person training here in Thimphu.If this sounds appealing, please provide us with your Name and Phone Number.Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.Here's our registration link: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VrUFElod9fhrOTn3phw5tyWIDxFRuoepMayab2uf0Ew/edit?usp=drive_link ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

[custom-twitter-feeds]