As the government finishes its third year and as 2018 looms closer, the Opposition party has shifted itself to a higher gear in both criticizing the government and pointing to shortfalls, including election pledges made in 2013. In the most detailed and arguably the longest press conference till date the …
Read More »Loss of faith in mainstream parties in the West and lessons for Bhutan
Two recent political phenomenon that have shaken political capitals has been the rise of Trump and Brexit or Britain’s recent exit from the European Union. Both are related in that they show the growing distrust of mainstream political parties, politicians and political institutions including the US Congress in USA and …
Read More »MoF working on system to catch tax avoiders
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is currently in the process of studying a Revenue or Tax Intelligence System, that once set up will monitor tax evasions and investigate tax frauds. The Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC) under MoF has submitted a proposal to the MoF which is looking at …
Read More »Hiding poor construction under natural disasters
Whenever some natural disaster or even heavy weather hits Bhutan, there are almost always reports of damages to public infrastructure whereby the damage is ascribed almost entirely to the disaster. However, the Royal Audit Authority in its performance audit on Disaster Management from 2010-2015 says more often it has to …
Read More »After RAA’s report Govt says Bhutan better prepared for disasters
A performance audit report on Disaster Management from 2010-2015 has found several issues like the lack of coordination among agencies, absence of Dzongkhag Disaster Management Committees, inadequate fire safety measures in Dzongs, lack of central data base on disaster management etc. The Bhutanese in the monthly meet the press asked …
Read More »MoF to review uneven spread of 2010 incentives worth 2.688 bn
A recent Royal Audit Authority performance audit on Business Income Tax from 2009-13 had pointed out that the overwhelming benefit of Nu 2.688 bn fiscal incentives given from 2010 onwards as part of the Economic Development Policy had mainly benefited 39 high end hotels. It had noted that apart from …
Read More »RMA to auction Nu 5.5 bn of T-Bills
The Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) will be auctioning Nu 5.5 bn worth of Treasury Bills on behalf of the Ministry of Finance to mop up some funds from the market. The RMA Governor Dasho Penjore said the RMA is facilitating the auction for the Ministry of Finance. The Finance Minister …
Read More »Fire safety still lacking in Dzongs
On 24 June 2012 a national tragedy gripped the nation as Wangdue Dzong burnt down, but a 2010-2015 performance audit on disaster management still found inadequate safety measures in Dzongs and public buildings even after the fire. A Royal Audit Authority (RAA) review of the fire safety measures in Dzongs …
Read More »RAA audit finds Bhutan to be ill prepared for natural disasters
Bhutan over the years has experienced its fair share of natural disasters from earthquakes to floods and fire. All the while there was much pronouncement and promises by both the former and current governments to strengthen disaster management preparation and coordination. However, the Royal Audit Authority in a Performance Audit …
Read More »RCSC sends 21 names for 7 Secretary slots to Cabinet
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) recently sent 21 names of Executive Level 2 and Executive Level 1 officials to the Cabinet. The Cabinet which has received the 21 names is looking into the list and is expected to soon select its choice before sending the final names for official …
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The Bhutanese Leading the way.