Construction Association of Bhutan (CAB) said that the revised procurement reforms will address the lopsidedness in the contract documents particularly favoring the procuring agency, in terms of transparency, accountability and legal obligations. The Executive Director of CAB, Sonam Wangchuk, shared that it is expected that this revision will bring about …
Read More »Stakeholders highlight challenges and call for reforms in Bhutan’s tourism industry
The National Council’s Economic Affairs Committee’s Review Report on the State of Tourism in Bhutan that highlighted operational challenges, regional disparities, and the need for targeted policy reforms. Phuentsholing, a hub which handles over 60% of tourist entries, faces congestion, limited staffing, and lacks a dedicated tourism office. Tour operators …
Read More »Good Governance Committee urges RCSC to abolish forced ranking within the MaX moderation system
A survey by the National Assembly’s Good Governance Committee (GGC) found that 89% of respondents identified the MaX system as a major reason for civil servants’ resignations. GGC Chairperson, Lhakpa Tshering Tamang, noted that the Bell Curve category has particularly contributed to low morale and a surge in resignations. Moderation …
Read More »Adani in favor of Run-of-the-River 570 MW option for Wangchhu Hydropower Project over 900 MW Reservoir project option
According to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Lyonpo Gem Tshering, the Adani Group has indicated a preference for a run-of-the-river (RoR) model over a reservoir-type scheme for the development of the Wangchhu Hydropower Project. The RoR scheme option at 570 MW is designed to include peaking capabilities during …
Read More »Streamlining forensic services in Bhutan
In Bhutan, the vital intersection between healthcare and justice is gaining institutional recognition through recent efforts to professionalize forensic services. At the forefront of this development is the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), which is spearheading a national initiative to strengthen …
Read More »Supreme court sentence Phajo Nidup to over 15 years imprisonment
On 21 May 2025 the Supreme Court (SC) convicted Phajo Nidup with a sentence of 15 years, 5 months, and 28 days, without the option of a fine. The court established that of the 275 counts for which he was convicted earlier, 221 counts were felonies and the remaining sentences …
Read More »Turning Apple Waste into quality Mushroom food
Researchers from the College of Natural Resources (CNR) under the Royal University of Bhutan, are studying the use of apple pomace as a new and sustainable material for growing oyster mushrooms. Apple pomace is the leftover pulp, skin, seeds, and cores of apples after they are pressed for juice or …
Read More »Around 60% of capital budget spent till date with around a month left to spend the rest
The 2024-25 annual budget allocated Nu 38.344 billion (bn) in capital budget, but many have been questioning the impact on the ground with not much visible major works and limited economic impact on the economy, which is primarily driven by government expenditure. Some have even been theorizing a resource or …
Read More »FTA with Thailand expected to remove tariffs on key Bhutanese products
A wide range of Bhutanese products are set to benefit from zero customs duty under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bhutan and Thailand. Among the key exports expected to benefit are essential oils and yathra, which currently face a 5% tariff, juices, areca nut, apples, cordyceps, and cement, which …
Read More »Visit of His Majesty to ADGM, the International Financial Centre of Abu Dhabi
His Majesty The King of Bhutan, visited ADGM, the international financial centre of the UAE capital – Abu Dhabi. The delegation was hosted by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, together with members of the ADGM senior leadership team. This visit by His Majesty follows the recent signing of …
Read More »
The Bhutanese Leading the way.