DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

During the last Question and Answer session for first session of the fourth parliament, Boomdeling-Jamkhar Constituency MP Wangdi raised concerns about the rising non-performing loans (NPLs), which have reached Nu.19.349 billion, making it difficult for people to obtain loans. Lamgong-Wangchang Constituency MP Sonam Tashi also expressed similar concerns on difficulties …

The Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay in his State of the Nation Address said that the most pressing issue facing our nation today is our people leaving the country in search of better employment opportunities overseas. The PM said that to date, approximately 64,000 Bhutanese, which is around nine percent …

Indian Govt to pay 50% of the salary During the 5th Meet the Press Session, The Bhutanese asked Dr. Ugyen Tshewang, the Director of the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA), for an update on the salaries of the STEM teachers who will be hired from India. This is …

Land acquired for construction of national highways is eligible for compensation in the form of land replacement or monetary compensation. However, for land acquired for Dzongkhag roads and farm road construction, there is no provision for compensation. Lyonpo Chandra Bdr Gurung, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, explained the rationale behind …

Sarpang Dzongkhag MP, Pema Tashi, asked a question to the Health Minister about the placement of 145 nurses who will be hired from India. In response, Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk first mentioned that the Royal Civil Service Commission approved the recommendation not only based on the Ministry of Health’s proposal but …

During the 5th Meet-the-Press, the Prime Minister revealed that in addition to the feasibility study for the 5 Airstrips, additional feasibility studies for Pumchula and Bartsam were carried out. Lyonchhen also shared that study for an additional helicopter service with a passenger carrying capacity of about 12 is also ongoing. …

During the fourth sitting of the first parliament session, the Shompangkha constituency MP, Dr. Tek Bhadur Rai, expressed significant concerns regarding the increasing number of health workers retiring and others taking Extraordinary Leave (EOL). He emphasized that these are impacting the quality of healthcare services. “There is a plan to …

The suspension of commercial activities at the Taktshang base camp was implemented as part of the national heritage site management plan, which places the area within a buffer zone where such activities are strictly prohibited. The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development suspended the commercial activities at the base camp …

Addressing the issue of crop and livestock depredation by wildlife, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) Minister Younten Phuntsho highlighted the substantial impact on agricultural productivity. With nearly 8,275 metric tons of crops, valued at Nu 365 million, and livestock worth around Nu 12 million lost annually to wildlife, …

During the National Assembly’s Question Hour, Member of Parliament of Bumdeling-Jamkhar Constituency, Wangdi, queried the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) about the timeline and logistical plans for the Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project, following the Prime Minister’s announcement of its impending commencement. He specifically requested clarity on the project’s start …