Hard decisions beyond the political mileage.

Gelephu Thromde Representatives seems to have taken very unpopular decision by rejecting the proposals for establishing more Karaoke and Night clubs in Gelephu and must have hurt the sentiments of so many those who love night life over others.

While it is important for Bhutanese society to move forward with the rest of the world, it is also important to weigh the merits and demerits permitting operation of so many such businesses. It may not be completely true that having such set ups would only bring social chaos as it is also one of the alternatives to prevent urban loneliness, pressure and blend with busy city life. It provides the avenue to share one’s emotions, meet friends and hang around and get rid of busy hectic city life. But it also is definitely a source of numerous social problems.

One of the drawbacks of having such more establishments in any part of the country is weak law enforcement and greed of those operating such business where money take over moral and ethical responsibilities. Personally, I have not come across any bouncer or any person asking the age of entering such places which is the most important measure any such business must put in place.

Of late, though I did not ask any age, but by appearance, I would say as young 12 or 13 years of school going aged kids having completely free access to such facilities which seems to happen only in Bhutan. I was shocked to encounter many such young kids literally some even getting drunk and loitering late nights as late 2:00AM in the morning. Even in so called most liberal countries like France, US, Japan, Korea or Australia etc, kids of this age won’t have access to such entertainment centers because these are designed for adult people and its negative consequences to kids are enormous ranging from access to numerous social evils including abuse drugs, alcohol, smoking, prostitution or even formation of gangs which are very much associated to such entertainment centers across the globe.Besides these evils, it also mounts pressure on our youth commit other crimes like robbery, theft, cheating, deceiving parents as money plays an important role while these kids earn nothing.

With current attitude of Bhutanese night life organizers, we should have first maintained a minimum number of such businesses so that our law enforcers can regulate them well. Second, there should be a strong regulations to prohibit entry of any children below the age of 18 to enter such facilities with an intention that these youth are our future and they must be protected from any social evils. Giving freedom to our kids does not mean, they are free to do and engage in everything they desire or wish but it is about being able to provide them right platforms to excel in their life, recognize their talents and passions, guide them to achieve their aspirations and make them understand the social evils.

Though the laws and regulations require that alcohol should be served only to a person of aged 18 and above or allow in night clubs, not a single owner or bouncer really takes care of such requirements as long as they get the money and their business runs smoothly. The human lives and future of our youth are least bothered or respected . Therefore, the decision to reject establishment of such entertainment centers is only a welcome news as it would minimize the accessibility which would ultimately discourage some of our youth and more so as it is located in the border areas where access to drugs is very high and vulnerable.

The elected members, whether politicians or local government, must take decisions in the interest of the general public specially our youth and not merely to fulfill their political promises if any decision undermines the positive impacts on our youth.
Having said so, I do in no way discourage or against the children's right to enjoyment and entertainment but we must unite to take our future citizens through more appropriate and better options in such era.

I am hope more similar unpopular yet a farsighted and visionary decisions to be taken by other elected members as well.

Note: This article appeared on my facebook on 29 August 2016