DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

Bhutan’s health sector has been struggling with a persistent shortage of nurses, but recent updates from the Ministry of Health (MoH) suggest steady progress is being made. According to Health Minister, Tandin Wangchuk, the National Medical Services (NMS) recruited 191 Diploma Nurses effective 15th September 2025.  All of them are …

Inclusive education is not just a philosophy, it is a fundamental human right. It is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of ability or background, deserves equal access to quality education in a learning environment that values diversity and promotes belonging. Globally, inclusive education has gained momentum, guided …

Gawailing village in Lauri Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar, has turned to cardamom cultivation as a vital source of livelihood. Once dependent on maize and vegetables, villagers shifted to the spice after traditional crops suffered repeated losses from wildlife and unpredictable weather. Today, cardamom provides many households with their main income, helping …

Inclusive education remains a priority in Bhutan to provide equitable and quality learning for all children. Despite considerable progress, children with disabilities still face significant challenges accessing education, especially beyond the primary level. When children with disabilities have access to quality early education, they are better prepared to enter school …

Bhutan is setting an ambitious course to transform agriculture into a climate-resilient and economically rewarding pillar of its economy. By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute Nu 70 billion (bn)  to GDP, with annual agri-exports projected to reach Nu 6 bn by 2029. The vision aims to catalyze sustainable …

The National Education Assessment (NEA) 2024 has revealed a worrying decline in student well-being alongside persistent gaps in teaching practices. The assessment covered not only academics, but also students’ well-being and school environments, while also taking insights from teachers and school leaders. Among Grade III students, those who reported “always” …

The Bhutan Hardware Association (BHA) has raised concerns regarding the upcoming Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and how it might negatively affect the sector if certain actions are not taken or clarified. BHA Chair, Thinley Dorji, said members are confused about what will happen to the existing stock on …

Earlier this year in March, the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment (MoICE) asked the Bhutan Innovation Lab office under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to study the issue of duration discount, group discount and other tourism related issues. In the earlier system, after the 9th night, tourists got a …

Non-performing loans (NPLs) in the financial sector increased by 7.23 percent in May 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to the Macroeconomic Situation Report from the Ministry of Finance (MoF). NPLs stood at 3.33 percent, equivalent to about Nu 8.3 billion (bn). The report stated that the …

Foreign reserves are projected to reach USD 1.11 billion (bn) at the end of FY 2025–26, enough to cover 29 months of essential imports and provide a cushion against external shocks, according to the Macroeconomic situation update from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for the fourth quarter of FY 24-25. …