How Do You Spell GEWOGS?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒjˈuːɒɡz] (IPA)

Gewogs is a term used in Bhutan to refer to a group of villages within a dzongkhag or district. The IPA phonetic transcription for gewogs is /ɡɛwoɡz/, which represents the sounds of the word. The "g" sound is pronounced as in "goat," followed by the long "e" vowel sound as in "heed." The "w" sound comes next, pronounced like "we" and followed by the "oh" vowel sound as in "go." Finally, the "g" and "z" sounds are pronounced consecutively as in "gaze."

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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GEWOGS Meaning and Definition

  1. Gewogs are administrative divisions of Bhutan, a landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas. In Bhutan's administrative hierarchy, gewogs are the second lowest level of local government below dzongkhags (districts). The term "gewog" translates to "village cluster" in English. Gewogs are designed to group and oversee a number of villages within a particular territory.

    Each gewog is headed by a locally elected representative known as a gup, who acts as the executive officer and leader of the gewog. These gups are responsible for providing basic governance and administration, addressing local needs and issues, coordinating development projects, and ensuring the welfare of the residents within their gewog. They serve as a crucial link between the central government and the rural communities.

    Gewogs play a vital role in decentralizing power and decision-making in Bhutan, promoting effective grassroots governance, and fostering community engagement. They are responsible for the implementation of various government policies, plans, and programs at the local level, targeting key areas such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and rural development. Gewogs also play a significant role in preserving and promoting Bhutan's unique cultural heritage within their territories.

    Overall, gewogs serve as a fundamental unit of local governance in Bhutan, helping to empower local communities, enhance participatory democracy, and bring government services closer to the rural populace.

Etymology of GEWOGS

The word "gewogs" is derived from the Dzongkha language, which is the official language of Bhutan.

In Bhutan, "gewogs" refers to the administrative units or sub-districts within a dzongkhag (district). The term "gewog" itself can be broken down into two parts:

1. Ge: This term means "village" or "group of villages" in Dzongkha. It signifies a settlement or a community.

2. Wog: This term translates to "valley" or "lower region" in Dzongkha. It refers to a geographical area within Bhutan.

Therefore, "gewog" can be understood as a village or group of villages situated in a particular valley or region. These administrative units play an essential role in local governance and facilitate the decentralization of power in Bhutan.