The Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT) under Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) and Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative (SJI), a project under the auspices of Lhomon Society, a Civil Society Organization based in Dewathang entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Oct 12, 2016. The MoU was signed by Dasho Neten Zangmo, Executive Director of SJI and Dr. Andu Dukpa, Director of JNEC.
The two institutes had been involved in several projects aimed at enhancing the livelihood of rural communities in Samdrup Jongkhar dzongkhag even prior to the signing of the MoU. Dr. Andu Dukpa assured the commitment of the CAT towards working with SJI for the benefit of the communities in Dewathang, Samdrup Jongkhar and other areas in Bhutan that would embrace the use of appropriate technology. Dasho Neten Zangmo on the other hand stated that the signing of the MoU was a defining moment for both the institutes. Dasho further added that such partnership will facilitate the institutes in achieving the larger goals of self-reliance.
Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative (SJI) is a project under the auspices of the Lhomon Society, a registered civil society organization in Bhutan designed to foster genuine Gross National Happiness (GNH) based development in harmony with government goals. Initiated by His Eminence Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche as a potential model for the country, to raise living standards of people of Samdrup Jongkhar dzongkhag and beyond and to achieve self-reliance.
Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT) was established in 2011 in Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) following SJI’s research findings. It is recognized as one of the premier research centres of the Royal University of Bhutan. JNEC on the other hand is seen as one of the key assets and resources of Samdrup Jongkhar dzongkhag, and a potential powerhouse and knowledge base for ecologically friendly and culturally appropriate development in the region. The Centre has undertaken several projects targeted towards improving the livelihood of rural community through the use of appropriate technology. Most of these projects were carried out in collaboration with SJI.
Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT) signs MoU with Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative (SJI)
