Kengkhar-Weringla MP Dorji Wangmo, during the question-and-answer session of the 6th sitting of Parliament, raised concerns over Bhutan’s declining birth rate and its wider demographic implications. The MP also highlighted that the Government’s proposed Third Child Incentive Programme of Nu 10,000 per month has reportedly been put on hold, pending …

The Good Governance Committee (GGC) Chairperson, Lhendup Wangdi, deliberated on the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the resolution concerning the MAX System and Bell Curve Method during the 4th Sitting of the Fifth Session of the Fourth Parliament. According to the GGC, under the MAX System, a bell curve is …

The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) of the National Council (NC) observed that the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 does not adequately address emerging tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, vapes, and electronic nicotine delivery systems, which are becoming increasingly popular among youth aged 15-24. As a result, the …

During the parliamentary session, Pemagatshel MP Dr Jamyang Namgyal raised concerns over the low participation of the youth in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, and questioned how well the courses are aligned with global job market demands. The MP said that although there are various skills training …

The National Budget Report 2026-2027, presented by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), has placed strong emphasis on social services, with major allocations directed towards health, education, civil service reforms, and youth development through Gyalsung. The health sector has been allocated Nu 12.4 billion (bn), with the report stating that the …

After concerns and challenges raised by Dzongkha Contract Teachers regarding shortened contract terms and the lack of contract extensions, several Dzongkha Regular Contract Teachers (RCTs) with Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) backgrounds have also approached the paper. The teachers voiced that despite possessing the required qualifications and teacher-training backgrounds, …

During the follow-up resolutions of the 36th Session of the National Council (NC), Member of Parliament (MP) Sonam Tenzin from Trashiyangtse, representing the National Council, presented eight recommendations proposed by the NC to the Ministry of Health (MoH) on strengthening the healthcare system. Among these, recommendation eight drew particular attention, …

A 67-year-old man from Canada, Stuart Loewen, passed away on 5th May in Bhutan while cycling along the Trans Bhutan Trail. Stuart reportedly tripped and fell from his bicycle before plunging over the edge of a cliff along the trail.  He was travelling with his guide and two friends when …

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is strengthening its response to substance use among young people through a multi-layered approach that focuses on care, early intervention, and community support.  The initiative is being implemented alongside existing recovery and rehabilitation efforts, including support systems such as the Yarabling Recovery …

People from 19 dzongkhags continue to visit Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, the country’s only national referral hospital, often leading to congestion and pressure on existing facilities. Despite growing concerns over bed shortages and increasing patient load at the hospital, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has said that the …