100 billion pledged by the government of India for the next five years of Bhutan’s development will be spent on developing hydropower, aiming to produce 10,000 MW by 2020, a railway from Hashimara to Phuentsholing, the 10th Plan programmes, and other new projects.Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley said that his government was surprised and very happy with this astronomical sum. It would cover the government’s two project-tied assistance programmes, planned for the five-year period, as well as the those of the 10th Plan and the DPT manifesto, enabling the government to fulfill the high expectations of the people.Bhutanese officials are hoping to go into detailed Plan talks immediately. They hope to update the 10th FYP and to break down the Nu 100 billion into general developmental activities, specific project tied grants, and mega project financing. According to the foreign ministry, the Indian government has already been requested a discussion on the new developments. “The Indian delegation promised to get back as soon as possible, once they reached New Delhi to work out mutually convenient dates to discuss the Nu 100 billion package,” said an official. Meanwhile, the GNH commission has also already communicated to the foreign ministry and embassy in Delhi that it is ready for talks at any time.
