Last year, the cut-off point for the Preliminary Examination (PE) of the Bhutan Civil Service Examination (BCSE) saw an unexpected revision.  While the usual benchmark is 50 percent, the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) announced on the day of result declaration that the PE pass mark had been raised to …

Bhutan’s unemployment rate currently stands at 16.5 percent, but the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) says that for a small country like Bhutan, the focus should be on the actual number of unemployed youths rather than percentages alone. Speaking during the parliamentary session, the MoICE Minister Lyonpo Namgyal …

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 …