GMC will have full executive, legislative and judicial autonomy

With full executive, legislative and judicial autonomy, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) adopts a unique model that is distinct from the prevailing administrative system in Bhutan.

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

Former prime minister Dr Lotay Tshering is part of the implementation team of the GMC, which allows countries, people and companies from around the world to invest hundred per cent in building a world-class, carbon-negative city. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Tshering, a practising surgeon based in Gelephu, says mindful progress, spiritual growth and nature-centric development are at the core of the GMC. Excerpts:

Q/ What is the vision behind the GMC?

A/ The GMC is a vision born out of King Jigme’s wish to set up a city that has all the components other countries and cities dream of. By developing the GMC as a special administrative region, he is creating a remarkable system in which all three arms of the government—executive, judiciary and legislative— are autonomous and distinct from the rest of the country. The GMC will be administered by the GMC authority that will be independent of the mainland government. It will be run by domain experts from around the world.

Q/ How is Gelephu creating an economic corridor connecting India’s northeast with southeast Asia?