The Planning Section represents the Gross National Happiness Commission in the Dzongkhag.Respecting the aspiration of the Constitution for the state to pursue the noble development objective of Gross National Happiness (GNH) propounded by His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo for the benefit of all Bhutanese for all time to come;

Reflecting the desire of the government to function more effectively and efficiently in support of the Parliamentary Democratic System of Government;

Recognizing the importance of the government to function as one body treading the same path towards a common goal as reflected in the government decision to merge the functions of the erstwhile Planning Commission and the Committee of Secretaries in the Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC);

OBJECTIVES

The GNHC shall ensure that GNH is mainstreamed into the planning, policy making and implementation process by evaluating their relevance to the GNH framework of:

developing a dynamic economy as the foundation for a vibrant democracy;

Harmonious Living – in harmony with tradition and nature;

Effective and good governance; and

Our people: investing in the nation’s greatest asset.

FUNCTIONS

The GNHC shall:

Be the central government body for coordinating and spearheading policy formulation, and shall ensure that all policies, irrespective of their origin, are processed in line with the attached Protocol for Policy Formulation.

Prepare a Strategy for GNH (SGNH), a twenty year perspective that will provide long term development framework for the five year plans and programmes till the year 2028. The SGNH will be updated periodically to improve its relevance overtime.

Direct and coordinate the formulation of all policies, plans and programmes in the country and ensure that GNH is mainstreamed into the planning, policy making and implementation process by evaluating their relevance to the GNH framework.

Approve and adopt the GNH Index as a guide for the formulation of sectoral policies and plans, and the Index shall be used as a yardstick to monitor development performance.

Review sectoral policies and plans and finalize the national plan for government approval

Review & recommend non-plan investment programs including the mega projects;

Develop mechanisms for effective enforcement of policies and resolve all issues arising from the implementation of policies and plans.

Ensure efficient and judicious allocation of and utilization of scarce resources to bring about regionally balanced development and growth with stability, equity and social justice.

Establish coherence of policies to promote performance and growth, through a regular process of policy review and commissioning of policy research/studies/surveys by expert groups.

Appraise the Government on the progress and outcomes of development plans and programmes from time to time.

Approve framework for annual grants for Dzongkhags and Gewogs through the resource allocation formula.

Review and endorse the resource allocations for the Five Year Plans of the Central Agencies, Dzongkhags and Gewogs.

Endorse the annual and the multi-year rolling plans and budgets.

Monitor the implementation of development activities by instituting an effective monitoring and reporting system.

Commission impact assessments and evaluations of policies, programmes and activities to assess the progress towards the achievement of national goals and targets that are articulated in the SGNH.

Discuss all matters related to inter-ministerial and inter-agency coordination and cooperation in the implementation of policies and programmes of the Royal Government to minimize duplication and wastage of resources; and

Review roles and responsibilities of government organizations from time to time to ensure that government organizations respond proactively to the changing expectations of the Royal Government and the people;

Review rules and regulations from time to time and amend those that are irrelevant and conflicting being totally mindful of their objectives, costs and benefits.

Ensure that regular administrative responsibilities and development programmes for the Royal Government are implemented in the most efficient, effective and beneficial manner.

Ensure that there is parity and uniformity in the capacity and condition among the various ministries of the Royal Government. Ensure judicious management of limited resources, financial and human, leading to sustained efficiency, transparency and accountability;

Promote and maintain harmonious functioning with other branches of the Government and constitutional bodies through effective coordination and cooperation; and Undertake tasks assigned by the Lhengye Zhungtshog.