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On 22 April 2021, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Zhabdrung Kuchoe, His Majesty The King commanded the continuation of the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu (DGRK) for 15 months, from April 2021. This is in view of the ongoing social and economic difficulties faced by the people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainties stemming from regional and global developments. (Click Here for Press Release)

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense social and economic difficulties and tragic loss of lives across the world. While Bhutan’s economy and people’s livelihood have been adversely impacted, we are fortunate to have been shielded from some of the most devastating consequences.

This has been possible due to the leadership of His Majesty The King and the efforts of the Royal Government to provide timely and substantive support to individuals and businesses and adoption of comprehensive health measures.

Upon the command of His Majesty, the National Resilience Fund was set up in April 2020 to provide economic relief to people through the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu. The Relief Kidu granted monthly income support to individuals and loan interest payment support to borrowers for a period of one year (April 2020 – March 2021). Over 37,000 people and their children have been granted the monthly income support Kidu in the last one year, while close to 140,000 loan accounts benefited from the interest payment support.

Applications for individuals who are in need of income support Kidu are open.

Income Support Kidu – FAQ
Who is eligible?

Individuals currently residing in Bhutan whose livelihoods continue to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as:

  • Employees who have been laid off, or placed on unpaid leave or reduced salary from businesses in tourism and tourism-dependent sectors;
  • Employees of businesses that are mandated to remain closed;
  • Individuals engaged in self-operated businesses in tourism and tourism-dependent sectors;
  • Bhutanese who were working abroad and have returned home because of loss of employment caused by COVID-19.

Applicants who do not have any other means of sustaining their livelihoods are eligible. Applicants are encouraged to actively look for jobs and other engagement programmes of the government and the private sector.

Desk and field verifications will be conducted to assess eligibility. Please click HERE for more details.

What are the information required for applying?

You will need to have the following information ready to successfully complete your application:

  1. Your CID number
  2. CID number of your spouse/partner
  3. CID number of your household members currently living with you
  4. If you are an employee, details of your employer
  5. If you are self-employed/have self-operated business, details of your business such as business license number, vehicle registration number, etc.
  6. Your Digital Kidu account number or your personal savings account number and name of the bank branch

If you do not have a personal savings account during the time of application, you are encouraged to open an account to facilitate easy transfer of the Relief Kidu.

If you do not have a personal savings bank account during the time of application, you are encouraged to open an account to facilitate easy transfer of the Relief Kidu.

How do I apply?

There are two ways to apply for the Relief Kidu.

Apply online

  1. Click HERE to Apply
  2. Start by filling up your correct Citizen Identity Card Number
  3. Fill in all required information
  4. After completing, click on the Submit button
  5. You will receive SMS notification acknowledging receipt of the application

You can also call the toll free numbers to submit an assisted application.

Paper-based application

  1. Download the application form
  2. Submit the completed application form to the Dzongkhag Administration
    • Application form for NEW APPLICANT can be downloaded HERE
    • Application form for NEW APPLICANT (Non CID) can be downloaded HERE
    • Application form for RE-­APPLICANTS (i.e. applicants who had applied earlier in any month between April 2020 and March 2021) can be downloaded HERE

YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO APPLY ONLINE.

How do I know if I am eligible?

You will receive SMS notification when your Kidu has been
granted.

You will also be notified via SMS if you are not eligible.

When is the deadline for application?

Eligible applicants will receive Kidu from the month of application.
Therefore, application must be submitted by the last day of the
month to be assessed for that particular month.

Who do I contact for information?

For information, call the following toll free numbers between 9AM
and 5PM, Monday to Friday:

  • 1184 if you are living/working in Phuntsholing/Chhukha
  • 1187 or 1188 for all other places
  • Or call the respective Dzongkhag Administration (Contacts page)
  • Grievances can be lodged at the following numbers:
    17467860
    17342162
    77359783
    77359784
    77359795
Individuals who are in need of the
Monthly Income Support Kidu
can apply here
Loan Interest Payment Support Kidu – FAQ
Who is eligible?

Individuals and businesses with loans outstanding as of 10th April 2020, including non-performing loans, that were availed from Bhutanese financial service providers.

Loans to the government, loans to financial institutions, staff incentive loans and credit card loans are not eligible.

For more information, refer to the Press Release issued on 24th May 2021. (Click here for Press Release)