Members of National Council(Upper House)

BUMTHANG: Tshewang Jurmi (1,965 votes)Not a public figure before being elected to the National Council. He ran a private business before entering politics.Date of Birth: January 01, 1981Place of Birth: Ura (Toepa), Ura, BumthangDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: BumthangQualification: B.Com Honours

CHUKHA: Tshewang Lhamo, 27 (6,140 votes)Daughter of a contractor Tshewang did her schooling in Chukha High School and had lived there for more than two decades. While studying in college in Shillong, India, she was the first female to be chosen as the president of the students association.Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Designation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: ChhukhaQualification: B.Com

DAGANA: Sonam Dorji, 33 (4,112 votes)Sonam Dorji, 33, from Kana gewog, is brother-in-law of the village’s gup. In addition to the strong family connection and influence that Sonam Dorji's family has in the villages, he has eight years of work experience and speaks fluent Lhotshampa and Dzongkha. His grandfather served as the national assembly member. He worked with Bank of Bhutan Ltd, Phuentsholing (Head Office) in 1999- 2007Date of Birth: July 04, 1973Place of Birth: Khagochen, Kana, DaganaDesignation: Member of Parliament

Constituency/Dzongkhag: DaganaQualification: B.Com, St. Joseph’s College, North Point, Darjeeling, India

GASA: Sangay Khandu, 29 (636 votes)Sangay Khandu, 29, is the son of former Royal Advisory Councilor. Sangay Khandu has a B.Com honors from Kanglung Sherubtse College and an MBA from Thailand. He worked in various organizations like the RMA, BPCL and International Trade Centre in Geneva before resigning to contest for the

post of a councilor. He was the only candidate from the district. He worked with National Project Coordinator, International Trade Centre (UNCTAD/WTO), Geneva, Switzerland in 2006-2008 and Manager-Performance Management System and Performance Based Incentive System, Bhutan Power Corporation Ltd (BPC) in 2005-2006, Assistant Foreign Exchange Officer, Royal Monetary Authority (RMA), Central Bank in 2001-2002Date of Birth: December 15, 1978Place of Birth: Choling, Khatoe, GasaDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: DaganaQualification: Master in Business Administration (MBA), University of Assumption, Bangkok,

Thailand, 2005 (Concentration Organizational Behaviour)Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), Sherubtse College, Trashigang, Bhutan, University of Delhi, 2001

HAA: Tshering Dorji, 33 (2,242 votes)Tshering Dorji, 33 was the only candidate from the district contesting the polls. Dorji from Bji gewog was a former lecturer at the Sherubtse College in Kanglung. He declared immovable property worth seven million, of which a bungalow and a building in Lobesa worth six million is under process to be transferred in his wife's name. He also owns shares worth Nu 48, 400 in the Bhutan National Bank, half of which is owned by his spouse. Dorji has Prado worth Nu 1 million, a Maruti WagonR worth Nu 450,000, registered in his wife's name.Date of Birth: September 23, 1974Place of Birth: Haa, Chumpa

Designation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: DaganaQualification: M.Sc, (Wildlife Ecology) University of New England, Australia, 2002

PGCE, National institute of Education, Samtse, Bhutan, 1998Post graduate Diploma in University Teaching, University of Newbrunswick, Canada. 2005B. Sc (gen), Sherubtse College, University of Delhi, 1998

LHUENTSE: Rinzin, 39 (4.046 votes)The dzongkhag elected Rinzin, 39, from Goenpa Karp in Khoma gewog. He was the only candidate for the district. The voters cast ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes. Earlier, the election commission had said it would not hold elections until two candidates vie. Rinzin has immovable property worth Nu 4.615 million, of which land worth five hundred thousand is registered in his wife's name and a handicraft shop registered in his wife's name, worth Nu 3.5 million.He was Program Director, National Feed & Fodder Development Program, Ministry of Agriculture in 2004-2007, Focal Point Scientist for Bhutan to SAARC Agriculture Information Center (SAIC), Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2005- 2008, National Focal Person for Rangeland to InternationalCentre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal in 2002-2006, Program Officer, Feed & Fodder Research, Renewable Natural Resources-Research Centre (RNR-RC), Jakar,

Bumthang in 1999-2004, Sector Head, Livestock Breeding and Management Research, Renewable Natural Resources Research Centre (RNR-RC), Jakar, Bumthang in 1998-2000, External Examiner, Natural Resources Training Institute (NRTI), Lobesa, Thimphu in 2006-07 and Lecturer, Natural Resources Training Institute (NRTI), Lobesa, Thimphu in 2007.

He has received the following awards1. The President’s Medal for Academic Excellence, Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, Republic of the Phillipines, 1997.2. The Model Student of the College of Agriculture (1995- 06), Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, Republic of the Phillipines, 1995-96.3. The Most Talented Outstanding International Student in the Philippines (1996), Philippines International Friendship Organization (PIFO), Manila, Republic of the Philippines, 1996.

Date of Birth: October 24, 1969Place of Birth: Gonpakap, Khoma, LhuentseDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: DaganaQualification: Master in Agriculture Science, University of Melbourne, Australia, 2001

Bachelor of Agriculture Science, Central Luzon State University, Republic of Philippines, 1997

MONGAR: Naichu, 42 (4,870 votes)Naichu, 42, entered the game at the 11th hour, comes from Saling geog. He has investments in various establishment in the country which he said amounts to around Nu 468,000. He said he also has the assets amounting to Nu 645,000 saved from his retirement benefit. He worked as Regional Secretary, Bhutan Chamber for Commerce & Industry (BCCI), Mongar, Bhutan in 2007, Dy. Director (Head), Adm.& Finance Division, BCCI,Thimphu, Bhutan in 2005-2007, Program Officer, BCCI, Thimphu,

Bhutan in 2000-2005, Project Officer, BCCI, Thimphu, Bhutan in 1998-2000 and HRD Officer, BCCI, Thimphu, Bhutan in 1995-1998Date of Birth: June 10, 1965Place of Birth: Masangdaza, Saling, MongarDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: DaganaQualification: Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Sherubtse College, Kanglung, Tashigang,

Bhutan, 1991Diploma in Business Studies, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), New Zealand, 2004

PARO: Ugyen Tshering, 43 (2,886 votes)Ugyen Tshering, 43, is resident of Shari gewog in Paro. He is a former General Manager of Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS). Ugyen Tshering has a B.Com from Sherubtse College. He has undergone a film editing course with the Film and Television Institute of India’s FTT and post graduate course in film studies from the University of Waikato in New Zealand. After 16 years of service he resigned as the General Manager of Program and Production Department of the BBS. His late father, Dasho Dorji Gyaltshen, alias Ado, who passed away earlier this year, was a Royal Advisory Councilor from 1993 to 1995He started his career with the then Development Support Communication Services and continued with the BBS where he was instrumental in the launch of television in Bhutan in 1999. He resigned from BBS two years ago as the head of Radio/TV program productions.

Date of Birth: April 10, 1965Place of Birth: Dop Shari, Shari, ParoDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: DaganaQualification: Bachelor of Arts, University of Delhi, India, 1987

Specialization in Film Editing, Film & TV Institute of India, Pune, 1993Post Graduate in Film & TV Studies, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand

PEMAGATSHEL: Jigmi Rinzin, 37 (6,100 votes)Jigme Rinzin, 36, resigned the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), where he was the Chief Investigating Officer. He was Chief of Corporations & Financial Institutions Division, Royal Audit Authority (Jan. 2004 – March 2006), General Manager - Admin, Finance & Commercial (On Deputation from Royal Civil Service Commission and Royal Audit Authority), Kuensel Corporation Ltd. (April 2002 – Dec. 2003) and Assistant Chief Auditor, Corporations & FinancialInstitutions Division, Royal Audit Authority (Jan. 2001 – March 2002)Rinzin was the topper of the first B.Com (Honors) batch in Sherubtse

College and stood third in civil service exams in 1994. He previously worked in the Royal Audit Authority (RAA) after completing his Chartered Accountancy from London.

Date of Birth: 18 June 1971Place of Birth: Khothagpa, Shumar, PemagatshelDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: DaganaQualification: FCCA (Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant), Emile Woolf College of

Accountancy, London, UK. (July 1998 – Dec. 2000)B.Com (Hons), Sherubtse College, Kanglung, Bhutan (Affiliated to Delhi University), July 1992 – June 1994

PUNAKHA: Namgay Penjore, 41 (3,509 votes)He hails from Goenshari geog and owns shares in various sectors amounting Nu 282,000. He was the twice-member of the erstwhile Royal Advisory Council and former general manager of Bhutan Power Corporation Ltd. Born and brought up in Punakha, Namgye Penjore has a master¹s degree in marketing and finance and held two general manager posts before he resigned to join politics.He was General Manager, Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) in 2006-2007, General Manager, Forestry Development Corporation (FDCL) in 2003-2006, Finance Officer, Penden Cement Authority (PCAL) in 1999-2003 and Officer on special duty, Penden Rock Project, Gelephu (a sister concern of PCAL) in 1997-1999.He received the following awards1. Coronation Gold Medal, December 20082. Orange Scarf with folds (Lhengye Title) by His Majesty, the King on having elected as the Chairperson of National Council of Bhutan-11 June 20083. Blue Scarf (Thuepoen Title) by His Majesty, the King on having elected as the National Council Member from Punakha Dzongkhag-16 April 2008

Date of Birth: May 21, 1966Place of Birth: Zhelngosar, Goen Shari, PunakhaDesignation: Chairperson/ThrizinConstituency/Dzongkhag: PunakhaQualification: Master of Business (Marketing and Finance), (MP Birla Institute of

Management Studies, Bangalore University, India), 2002Bachelor of Commerce, Sherubtse College, Kanglung, Bhutan, 1991

SAMDRUP JONGKHAR: Jigme Wangchuk, 28 (4,569 votes)Jigme Wangchuk, 28, served as a History and English teacher in Phuntshothang Lower Secondary School in Samdrupchholing, Samdrup Jongkhar for two years.According to the asset declaration forms, Jigme Wangchuk of Jomotshangkha has the outstanding loan of Nu 15,000, least among the NC candidates. Date of Birth: March 04, 1980Place of Birth: Momring, Lauri, Samdrup JongkharDesignation: Member of Parliament

Constituency/Dzongkhag: PunakhaQualification: Bachelor in Education, National Institute of Education (NIE), Paro, 2005

Samchi: Dr. M. K. Rai (7,996 votes)Dr. Mani Kumar Rai, 58, calls himself a bureaucrat, technocrat and a business executive. He is a veterinary doctor and worked in civil service. He joined the civil service as a Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in 1972 and served in many dzongkhags and was instrumental in much development in the livestock sector. Dr. Mani initiated the present institutional networking of the country's veterinary services with the Regional and International Institutions. He was also instrumental in

the Fishery development program at Gelephu during his tenure in Southern Region for increasing the income of the rural population. He retired in 2002. He is the richest among the elected candidates in terms of saving in banks. He and his wife have cash worth Nu 1.55 million in fixed deposit.Here are details of his work experience1. Business Executive, Tashi Group of Companies, Phuentsholing, Chukha, Bhutan, 2003-20072. Managing Director, Bhutan Agro Industries Ltd., Thimphu, Bhutan, 2000-20023. Director, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Thimphu, Bhutan, 1989-2000 4. Accredited as the first Permanent Delegate of Bhutan to O.I.E. ( World Organization for Animal Health), 1991 - 1999. 5. Joint Director, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, MoA, Thimphu, Bhutan, 1986-19896. Superintendent of A.H, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, MoA, Thimphu, Bhutan, 1984-19867. Regional A.H Officer, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, MoA, Sarpang, Bhutan, 1977-19838. Asst. Director, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, MoA, Bumthang, Bhutan, 1975-1976

Additionally, he was also the Chairman of Bhutan Dairy Limited ( 1996 to 2000), Member of Technical Committee, Planning Commission of Bhutan, Member of the Board of Directors of Druk Seed Corporation and Member of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (2001 & 2002)Date of Birth: June 24, 1950Place of Birth: Bahunitar, Chargharey, SamtseDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: SamchiQualification: Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A,H),

SARPANG: Karma Donnen Wangdi, 37 (5,968 votes)Karma D Wangdi, 37, is from Gelephu having legal background. He is from a well to do family. His father, a landlord, owns the maximum land in Sarpang and is a popular and influential figure. He is but a easterner. He is married to Lhotsampa, Kalpana Humagain. Wangdi's father was the Gelephu dzongda back in the 1980s. Karma is appreciated for his oratory skills and was soccer during the college years. He has post graduated with distinction from Maastricht School of Management, the Netherlands. He also holds a post graduate in information

technology from the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia. He worked as the deputy director of information and communication division with the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industries and is a topper from a batch of students who undertook militia training in 1989.

THIMPHU: Sangay Zam, 43 (2,923 votes)Sangay Zam, 43, was the former principal of Gelephu higher secondary school. She has declared land registered in her name and her husband's name but the estimated value of the land was not stated on the declaration form. She has a Toyota Hilux worth Nu 900,000 and a Hyundai Getz worth Nu 300,000, both registered in her name.

TRASHIGANG: Sonam Kinga (6,450 votes)Sonam Kinga, 34, from Shongphu geog is former executive editor of Bhutan Observer weekly. He has done Ph.D from Kyoto University in Japan and the authored six books, Kinga is the civil service examination topper of 1997. He also worked as Senior Program Officer, Save the Children US, Thimphu, Senior Research Officer, Centre for Bhutan Studies (a government think tank institute), Thimphu, Publication Officer, CAPSD, Ministry of Education,

Thimphu, Member, National Film and TV Review Board (1999-2003) and Director, Board of Directors, BBSC-National Radio Television (2002-2004).Date of Birth: June 06, 1973Place of Birth: Galing, Shongphu, TrashigangDesignation: Deputy ChairpersonConstituency/Dzongkhag: TashigangQualification: Ph. D in Area Studies, Kyoto University, Japan

M.A (Area Studies), Kyoto University, JapanB.A (Eng Hons), Sherubtse College, Kanglung, BhutanI.B (Diploma), Lestor B. Pearson College, Canada

TRASHYANGTSE: Kesang Namgyal, 55 (1,936 votes)Kesang Namgyal, 55, is the retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Bhutan Army where he served for 33 years. One of his brothers is the present Lam of Ramjar and Yalang gewogs. He has Nu 60,000 saving in banks while most of his properties are registered in children’s name.

TRONGSA: Dr. Jagar Dorji (1,823 votes)He is the former director of Sherubtse college in Kanglung in 2005-2007. He was also the Director, Paro College of Education in 2000-05, Director of Curriculum Division, Ministry of Education in 1997-2004, Principal, National Institute of Education (NIE) in 1994-97, Dy. Director, Curriculum Division in 1989-94 and Lecturer at NIE in 1984-88Date of Birth: December 04, 1954Place of Birth: Tangsibji, Tangsibji, TrongsaDesignation: Chairperson/ThrizinConstituency/Dzongkhag: Punakha

Qualification: Ed. D “Curriculum Change and Pedagogical Practices in Bhutanese Schools” University of New England, NSW, Australia, (1996-00, distance mode)Master of Arts (MA) in Geography Education, University of London, United Kingdom, 1982-84Bachelor of Arts, DAV College, Punjab University, Chandigarh, India

Chirang: Justin Gurung (6,181 votes)Justin Gurung of Phuentenchu, Tsirang, is the lowest worthy among the NC candidates with only Nu 100 as savings. He is a B.Com graduate from St Xaviers College in Kolkata and has served in the government for 12 years.

He was Marketing Specialist-EU-Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Project-PH-II (MAPP) in 2007-2008, General Manager-Marketing Division, NRDCL in 2001-2003, Manager, Chundu Enterprises in 1991-2001 and Marketing Officer at BBPL in 1995-1999.Date of Birth: August 29, 1970Place of Birth: Burichu, Phuntenchu, ChirangDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: PunakhaQualification: Bachelor of Commerce, 1993-1995, St. Xavier’s College,

Kolkata, IndiaMaster of Arts (MA) in Geography Education, University of London, United Kingdom, 1982-84Bachelor of Arts, DAV College, Punjab University, Chandigarh, India

WANGDUE PHODRANG: Sonam Yangchen (4,987 votes)Not a public figure before being elected to the National Council.Date of Birth: July 13, 1982Place of Birth: Kuenzaling, Nisho, Wangdue PhodrangDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: PunakhaQualification: Bachelor of Science (Business Administration), Idaho, United States of America

ZHEMGANG: Pema Lhamo, 44 (4,839 votes)Aum Pema Lhamo, Kheng was the Director of the RNR Information and Communication Service of the Agriculture Ministry. She is the daughter of former Royal Advisory Councillor.

King’s nomineesTashi WangyalTashi Wangyal is a former member of the Royal Education Council. Tashi Wangyal replaced Karma Ura who resigned from the position in June 2009.Wangyal, 35, from Ura in Bumthang, worked in the civil service as an economist in the finance ministry from 2000 to 2004. He also worked as a research analyst at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2004 and 2005. After resigning from the civil service in 2005, he worked as an independent researcher and consultant specializing in macroeconomics and trade policy issues. While he was a consultant he also held concurrent positions as an advisor to the Planning Commission and as a trade

negotiator for Bhutan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). He also served as a council member in the Royal Education Council for more than two years and resigned in 2009.Date of Birth: June 02, 1974Place of Birth: Tabi, Ura, BumthangDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: His Majesty's NomineeQualification: M.Phil (International Relations), June 1999, University of Cambridge, United

Kingdom (Pembroke College)

BA (Hons) Economics and Political Studies, May 1998, Trent University, Ontario, CanadaInternational Baccalaureate Diploma, May 1995, Lestor B. Pearson United World College, Victoria, CanadaIndian Certificate Secondary Examination (equivalent to ‘O’ levels), March 1993, Punakha High School, Bhutan

Kuenlay TsheringKuenlay Tshering was a judge at the High Court before being appointed as NC member. He also worked as Director, Office of Legal Affairs, Thimphu in 2001-2005, Executive Organ of the Royal Government of Bhutan, Drangpon, Royal Court of Justice, Phuentsholing Court,Phuentsholing in 2000-2001, Acting Registrar General, High Court in 1997-2000, Deputy Registrar General, High Court in 1995-1997, Judicial Officer, Judiciary, High Court in 1993-1995 and Section Officer, High Court, Thimphu in 1990-1993. He was employee with National Census in Samchi in 1990 when the government categorised people into seven categories as part of the eviction plan. Date of Birth: November 07, 1965Place of Birth: Bjachi (Geylingkha), Nyish, WangduephodrangDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: His Majesty's NomineeQualification: Certificate in Comparative Judiciary & Korean Judicial System, Supreme Court,

Seoul, South KoreaMilitia Training, Royal Bhutan Army HQ, Tencholing, Wangduephodrang & SamtseCertificate, Forensic Science Awareness, RBP HQ, ThimphuCertificate, Human Rights in Administration of Justice, High Court, ThimphuBhutanese Legal System, High Court, ThimphuLLM (Public International Law), University of Leiden, The NetherlandsCertificate in Legislative Drafting, Bureau of Parliamentary Studies & Training, Parliament of India, DelhiDiploma in Human Rights ILO Centre Turin, Italy & UNO Geneva, SwitzerlandLLB-Government Law College, University of Bombay, IndiaB.A, Sherubtse College, Kanglung, Bhutan-1984-1989

Karma D. NidupKarma Damcho Nidup was a senior trade officer at Department of Trade in 1997-2001. She also worked as Team Coordinator (on deputation) at People’s Project, Thimphu, Bhutan in 2006-2008Date of Birth: December 12, 1969Place of Birth: Taba, ThimphuDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: His Majesty's NomineeQualification: Masters in Public Administration, Ecole Nationale

d’Administration, Strasbourg, France, 2006Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi, India, 1991

Karma Y. RaydiKarma Yezer Raydi worked in from the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement. He was Research Officer (on deputation), People’s Project Research Office, Thimphu, Bhutan in 2007-2008, Chairman (on part-time basis), Bank of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan in 2007-2008, Director, Standard and Quality Control Authority, Thimphu, Bhutan in 2006-2008, Superintending Engineer, Department of Urban Development & Housing, Ministry of Works and Human Settlement, Thimphu in 2000-2006, Executive Engineer, Department of National Properties, Ministry of Finance, Thimphu, Bhutan in 1995-2000, Militia Officer (on deputation), Royal Bhutan Army in 1991-1995 and Industrial Engineer, Bhutan Development Finance Corporation (BDFC), Thimphu, Bhutan in 1989-1995

Date of Birth: January 01, 1966Place of Birth: Gonpa, Ramjar, TrashiyangtseDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: His Majesty's NomineeQualification: Masters Degree in Geotechnical Engineering (Nippon Institute of Technology,

Saitama, Japan), 2000Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), India, 1988

Tashi WangmoTashi Wangmo was from the Ministry of Labor and Human Resources. She was Chief Planning Officer, Ministry of Labour and Human Resources in 2004 – 2008, Programme Officer, Department of Human Resources, Ministry of Labour and Human Resources in 2003 – 2004, Planning Officer, National Technical Training Authority in 2000 – 2003 and Assistant Engineer, Department of Civil Aviation in 1999 – 2000.

Date of Birth: February 19, 1973Place of Birth: TrashigangDesignation: Member of ParliamentConstituency/Dzongkhag: His Majesty's NomineeQualification: B. Engg (Honours), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 1997

Masters in Public Policy, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Tokyo, Japan, 2003