70 days of labor contribution that shaped our economy

When Bhutan finally woke up to the era of modernization in 1960s after centuries of self-imposed isolation, we had to walk an extra mile to catch up with the rest of the world particularly in the field of modern infrastructural development. The construction of Bhutan’s first road, the Phuntsholing-Thimphu National Highway which began in 1960 brought a lot of new hopes and dreams for Bhutan’s economy as people knew that it would pave the way for smooth flow of trade with India. However due to the shortage of national labor force, people had to be conscripted from all corners of the country to contribute to the project. As a result, all the adult Bhutanese got the opportunity to be part of the national workforce that shaped our economy at the beginning of our modern history. Both men and women left their families behind and came forward to contribute to the project as laborers for 70 days after which they were replaced by their siblings or relatives.