DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

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 …

A petition to increase the maximum permissible building height in Dzongkhag Yenlag Throms from the current two storeys to five was tabled in the National Assembly by the Member of Parliament from Bongo-Chapcha constituency, Pempa.  The petition, forwarded by the Chukha Dzongkhag Tshogdu, called for a revised regulations based on …

Responding to a wave of debate and opposition, particularly from the Opposition Party, the government through the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) has now expressed its rationale decision to reinstate the Class X cut-off point for admission into Class XI. MoESD frames the policy as a forward-looking reform …

In a proactive move to curb substance abuse and limit access to illicit drugs, the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has initiated a nationwide cannabis plant uprooting program. The initiative aims to reduce easy accessibility, raise community awareness, and foster public participation, and target high-risk and vulnerable areas across the country. …

A disturbing case of child sexual abuse has come to light in Paro, where a man has been arrested and charged with raping and impregnating his minor daughter. The case, now before the Paro District Court, has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about child protection and family …

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a firm warning to individuals and entities operating unauthorized private healthcare facilities in Bhutan. In a notification issued, MoH reminded the public that under Section 47 of the Healthcare Services Rules and Regulations (HSRR) 2025, no healthcare services may be provided without technical …

The 18 MW Suchhu Hydropower Project in Sombaykha, Haa was formally commissioned on Thursday. Speaking at the inauguration, the Prime Minister congratulated all those involved – Druk Green Power Corporation, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, local leaders and communities, and private sector partners – for their collective efforts …