DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

The Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Committee (SCC) and Member of Parliament (MP) from Wamrong constituency, Lam Dorji,  moved a motion in the  Parliament to reconsider and reassess the Ministry of Education and Skills Development’s (MoESD) decision to reinstate the Class 10 cut-off point starting from the 2026 academic …

With the National Assembly (NA) endorsing a 10% tax on interest income from fixed deposit interest income above Nu 300,000, the big question is how will the tax be levied after 1st January 2026 when the tax becomes effective. The worry is especially for those who may have a long-term …

The Member of Parliament (MP) of Bumdeling-Jamkhar Constituency, Wangdi, raised concerns during the Question Hour Session of the National Assembly (NA) yesterday. He asked about the progress and future direction of Bhutan’s nationwide school rationalization initiative, which is being implemented under the 13th Five-Year-Plan. The school rationalization effort comes in …

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 …