DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

Bhutan’s Labour and Employment Act outlines clear provisions regarding public holidays for employees. Section 108 of the Act guarantees every employee a minimum of nine public holidays per year, including His Majesty the King’s Birth Anniversary and National Day. These holidays must be granted as paid leave, with employees receiving …

The Industry Census Report 2024 found that out of the 12,197 establishments surveyed, 86 employed a total of 133 individuals with disabilities only. This is after the National Council’s Social and Cultural Affairs Committee in June 2024 submitted a review report on the state of persons with disabilities, noting that …

The 11th edition of Bhutan International Marathon commenced on 1st March 2025, featuring both international and local participants, making it one of the most highly anticipated event of the spring season. The event offered two types of race categories, the Full Marathon (42 km) and the Half Marathon (21km), each …

Talking about the potential import deflection and misuse of the tax free nature of smart phone imports the Finance Minister Lekey Dorji said Nu 2.723 billion (bn) worth of smart phones were imported in 2024. Lyonpo said the Ministry of Finance is aware of concerns regarding potential deflection of imports, …

The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has recorded a total of 239 motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) in the first two months of 2025. As of 27th February, the accidents have resulted in 158 injuries and 25 deaths. February saw 107 MVA leading to 59 injured and 5 deaths. January recorded 132 …

The unemployment rate is significantly higher in urban areas standing at 5.54 percent than the 1.75 percent in rural areas according to the Fourth Quarter (October- December) Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for 2024. Two third of unemployed individuals, which is 64.2 percent of the total unemployed population resides in urban …

Bhutan recorded 864 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2023, with a notable concentration among young adults aged 15-24. The Annual Health Bulletin 2024 report indicates that this age group has the highest number of new pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed TB cases and extrapulmonary TB cases. To address the persistent TB burden, the …

Coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The King, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced the establishment of the Multidisciplinary Super Specialty Hospital (MDSSH), which aims to provide advanced and specialized medical care within the country, reducing the need for overseas treatment and ensuring that all Bhutanese have access …

The Department of Tourism (DoTr), under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE), officially launched the Bhutan Integrated Tourism Master Plan 2025-2034 on 21st February 2025 in Thimphu. The event, held in honour of His Majesty The King’s 45th Birth Anniversary, was attended by approximately 30 tourism stakeholders, including …

RBP calls for public support to fight against drugs Although the number of drug-related arrests has slightly decreased in 2024, with 3,319 individuals apprehended compared to 3,667 in 2023, substance abuse remains the leading crime in Bhutan. The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has emphasized the need for robust measures and …