BUSINESS

In response to growing concerns over housing affordability and emigration, the government has announced a major push toward housing reform through a Nu 1.5 billion (bn) strategy aimed at promoting homeownership and improving the national housing situation. During the 16th  Meet-the-Press session, the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), …

In response to rising public concern over alcohol abuse and the spread of bars across Bhutan, the National Assembly (NA) has directed the Women, Children and Youth Committee to conduct a thorough review of the existing bar licensing system for the Winter Session. This move follows a petition submitted by …

The National Assembly’s (NA) Economic and Finance Committee (EFC) has come up with its Report on the Implementation of the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) of Nu 15 bn. With a total funding envelope of Nu. 15 billion (bn), the ESP aimed to revive the economy through a mix of concessional …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …