Three Down, One To Go

One of the darkest periods in the history of the US is what was called the “Prohibition Era”. The Twenty-first Amendment of the US has the distinction of being the only constitutional amendment in American history that was passed to repeal another. The US prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s encouraged the proliferation of deadly gangsters such as Al Capone, John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, “Babyface” Nelson, “Pretty Boy” Floyd, Machine Gun Kelly, Ma Barker and the like. They stepped in to control and direct the business of prohibited alcohol in all the major cities of the US – even after the prohibition was repealed.

Bans, prohibitions and monopolies never work – infact they introduce crime and corruption and immorality into the society. In recent memory, we have/had four government sponsored prohibitions/bans/monopolies that have been responsible for the fall in morality of the Bhutanese people.

March of Bans & Prohibitions

1.  FIRST: Tourism business

Tourism was introduced on 1st December, 1971 but the business actually started only in 1974. It was a government monopoly until 1991. Beginning 1991, the monopoly was transferred to a private operator – the BTCL. The tourism business was de-monopolized when additional 33 licenses were issued by 1993. But the cap at 33 did not help.

Tour operation licenses were sold at premiums running into over 2 million a piece. Finally the cap was lifted, and thus, by 2001 tour operation licenses grew to 116. These licenses are now freely available, without restriction and special requirements.

One down – three to go.

2.  ALCOHOL: Bar License

The government segregated the alcohol trade as a separate and distinct business requiring a special license. Over time, issue of new bar licenses were suspended, creating a situation where bar licenses came to be sold for millions.

Beginning this month – kudos to the DNT government!! – the requirement of special bar licenses has been done away with. As of this month, all restaurants can sell alcohol.

Two down – two more to go.

3.  TOBACCO: Smoking and chewing of tobacco

The DPT government introduced Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan in 2010, effectively banning the cultivation, harvesting, production and sale of tobacco. This did not result in control or use or consumption of tobacco. On the contrary, it created black markets and illegal trade and caused people to be jailed and ostracized. Prices of cigarettes skyrocketed – selling at prices as high as Nu.1,000.00 per packet of 20 sticks.

Once again - kudos to the DNT government - the ban on tobacco was lifted last year – effectively eliminating illegal trade and lightening the burden on people’s purses.

Three down – one to go.

4.  DUTY FREE QUOTA: Duty free import for special class of people

One of the most immoral “entitlements” - the Vehicle Quota - was introduced sometime in the early 1970s - I am not very sure when exactly it was introduced - but it has to be early 1970s or even earlier, since I became entitled to it in 1979. Ofcourse I could not afford to buy a car then.

The award of this “entitlement” turns public servants into state-sponsored black-marketers, and it costs the country huge. The reasons offered for this automatic award is totally flawed. The award is not merit-based - even a lifelong shammer is awarded it when he/she attains a certain grade. It is not an award that is extended to the poor and the financially incapable - it is awarded to the high salaried officials. It is not a reward for service to the nation - if it were, the top industrialists of the country who contribute millions by way of taxes should be rewarded - as a mark of gratitude for their contribution to nation building.

The quota beneficiaries sell the quota in the black market at premiums as high as Nu.2.50 million. The illegally generated fund goes on to finance the purchase of another car for the quota holders, thus while only one vehicle was expected to be imported - two get imported.

This quota system still stands  - so far no single person or government has exhibited the moral probity to attempt to dismantle this evil, thus exposing the true nature of the Bhutanese.

Be a champion - kill this evil!