DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Amendment Bill of Bhutan was introduced as a Money Bill in the National Assembly by the Finance Minister, Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, on 18th May. The Amendment Bill was introduced under Section 30 of the Goods and Services Tax Act of Bhutan 2020, which empowers …

After concerns and challenges raised by Dzongkha Contract Teachers regarding shortened contract terms and the lack of contract extensions, several Dzongkha Regular Contract Teachers (RCTs) with Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) backgrounds have also approached the paper. The teachers voiced that despite possessing the required qualifications and teacher-training backgrounds, …

During the follow-up resolutions of the 36th Session of the National Council (NC), Member of Parliament (MP) Sonam Tenzin from Trashiyangtse, representing the National Council, presented eight recommendations proposed by the NC to the Ministry of Health (MoH) on strengthening the healthcare system. Among these, recommendation eight drew particular attention, …

The Member of Parliament (MP) Tashi Tenzin of Radhi-Sakteng constituency raised concerns in Parliament over the rising prices of goods despite the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which was expected to reduce costs for consumers. The MP said several products that were previously taxed between 10 and …

The government has earmarked Nu 1.9 billion (bn) for the mining and manufacturing sector in the FY 2026-27 budget, signaling a push to modernize industrial capacity and secure national energy reserves. The allocation is a strategic component of the government’s plan to boost resource utilization and stabilize the labor market. …

When the need was urgent, they were recruited. Now, as talks of a teacher surplus continue to surface, Dzongkha contract teachers say they are being left behind, facing shorter contracts and fading job security. A Dzongkha contract teacher from the south shared that although his contract was supposed to run …

As digital connectivity becomes the backbone of Bhutan’s economy, a growing gap has emerged between user expectations and the reality of internet performance. Recent data from the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) reveals that while mobile speeds show promise, the country’s fixed-line infrastructure is currently struggling to meet even …

In a comprehensive update released by Thimphu Thromde during the Mid-Term Review, the Thromde said the capital city is witnessing a significant transformation as several major infrastructure projects approach their completion dates. From crucial bridge constructions to school expansions and water supply enhancements, the progress report highlights a city in …

The country has formally resumed its accession process to the World Trade Organization (WTO), with 17 accession-related documents updated, verified and finalized for submission to the WTO Secretariat and member states for review. The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji said that the move follows the …

In light of the recent coverage on Middle Path ECPF, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) said that the authority did everything in their power, including mediation and refund facilitation, prior to the firm’s closure. “Allegations (from victims) claiming that CCAA failed to act are inconsistent with the full …