Despite no official holdback on trade and essential supplies, a hoard of people was seen rushing for face masks, hand sanitizers, fuel and groceries after the confirmation on the first COVID-19 case on 6th March. Earlier the Ministry of Economic Affairs released a press note which stated that the Ministry …

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill saga hit yet another turn as the National Council (NC) voted for the withdrawal of the Bill, following concerns that the government is yet to set up the necessary infrastructures, software and manpower for its execution. Having seen an out-and-out agreement on votes …

On 18 February, the National Council (NC) made the recommendation to the National Assembly (NA) to do away with the supplementary budget of Nu 5 million (mn) which was added on 11 February by the Economics and Finance Committee’s recommendation for Parliamentary Committees and Secretariat Services of the NA. Of …

A standard operating procedure (SOP) was released by the National Assembly for the payment of Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) by regional tourists. The rationale behind the SOP is to facilitate and guide the payment of SDF by regional tourists, define the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders and to enhance …

The Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Committee, Member from Bji-Kar-Tshog-Uesu Constituency, Ugen Tenzin, presented the report on the Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth to the House on 4 February. Reportedly, the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development outlines a plan of action and provides a …

The Parliament has adopted the Mines and Mineral Bill of Bhutan 2020 along with amendments made to the former Act on 30 January. Numerous deliberations towards the expedient need to reform the law on minerals and mines, in order to ensure inter-generational equity and sustainability of the mineral resources in …

After a thorough deliberation on 30 January, the National Assembly of Bhutan made amendments and adopted Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan. The sales tax rate for the tourist SIM card was agreed at 7 percent, while an exemption was made for local post-paid users who were earlier charged with 7 …

The third reading of mines and minerals was held on 20th January bringing up views from the committee’s mining site visits, public consultations and public hearing conducted on the Bill. The House in the following days discussed on Chapter 5, 6 and 7 on Management of Mining Ax  ctivities, Rights and …

The National Assembly on 17th January discussed the ‘Supplementary Budget Appropriation’ and ‘Pay Revision’ amendment bills of Bhutan for the financial year 2019-2020. An approved budget of Nu 64.826 bn was brought into consolidation for the 2019-20 Five Year plan up from the total expenditure of Nu 61.197 bn in …

The first legislative public hearing on mining operations by the National Assembly (NA) was conducted on 10 January. The hearing was informed of the adverse effect of the mining operations on the nation, economy and the people.10 members of the National Assembly were present at the public hearing to address …