DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

Members of Parliament (MPs) raised serious concerns in the Parliament regarding the shortage of health workers and lack of infrastructure in remote gewogs, which is affecting healthcare service delivery in areas such as Laya, Tsirang and Kangpara. Khatoed-Laya MP, Lhaba Lhaba, highlighted that the Laya’s Basic Health Unit (BHU) currently …

According to Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering significantly expanding its travel restrictions by potentially banning citizens of 36 additional countries from entering the United States, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters. In an internal diplomatic cable signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, …

In the month of May, the country recorded a total of 29,879 tourist arrivals. This figure includes both regional and international visitors. Compared to the same month in the previous year where 23,547 tourists visited the country, this marks an increase of 6,332 tourists. The numbers have gone up by …

During the Question-Hour session in the Parliament, Lingmukha-Toedwang MP, Namgay Wangchuk, raised concerns about Bhutan’s declining population and sought an update on the proposed Nu 10,000 incentive for third-born children. In response, the Finance Minister, Lekey Dorji, acknowledged that while the initiative has been introduced, it is unlikely to yield …

To address both youth unemployment and the growing number of Bhutanese seeking jobs abroad, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) has introduced two complementary initiatives: the National Reintegration Program and the ongoing Overseas Employment Program. The National Reintegration Program aims to encourage Bhutanese citizens who have worked overseas …

In a major positive development, the Indian side has agreed to some important design changes and suggestions by the Bhutanese side in terms of the stabilization and rectification measures on the right bank of the 1,200 MW P I project. This development marks a crucial step forward in resolving long-standing …

The final Supreme Court civil verdict in January 2025 meant that Phajo owes the banks and private individuals around Nu 1 billion (bn) to be paid back by auctioning his properties. Phajo is liable to pay the principal and interest payment of Nu. 657.759 million (mn) to various banks. The …

The Interim Report on the Amendment of the Penal Code of Bhutan 2004 presented by Legislative Committee identifies several issues with the Bhutan Penal Code. Dzongkha-English Harmonization The Penal Code of Bhutan (PCB) was enacted in both Dzongkha and English, While this bilingual approach is intended to uphold inclusivity and …

During the Third Session of the Fourth Parliament, Sergithang-Tsirang Toed MP, Lhakpa Tshering Tamang, raised a pressing question to the Ministry of Health (MoH) regarding the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Bhutan. With more than 48,000 PWDs, accounting for 6.8 percent of the population, the issue is …

The Member of Parliament (MP) Kengkhar-Weringla, Dorji Wangmo, raised a concern in Parliament about the country’s declining fertility rate. She noted that even couples who are ready and willing to have children are increasingly unable to conceive, and they often have no choice but to seek fertility treatment abroad which …