DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) plans to start an inclusive and interactive centre in Thimphu under the JICA Partnership Program scheme with a Japanese partner organization and with a Bhutanese counterpart.One of the potential challenges may be the immediate start of the construction of the project due to the construction regulations in the country right now.The centre mainly aims to …

The 2-month selection process and fierce competition among the Nyagoes from various dzongkhags has ended coinciding with the 117th National Day, with the Sarpang Nyagoe clenching the title, surprising his contenders and the audience in the stadium and viewers at home. The competition coordinator shared that due to the pandemic, …

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has forwarded 27 cases to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for prosecution as per its 2023-2024 Annual Report. Covering a wide range of corruption, financial misconduct, and illegal activities involving public servants and private individuals. The cases highlight numerous instances of embezzlement, bribery, and …

The High Court, this week, dismissed the Constitutional Case filed over  Freedom of Religion by Damphu building owner Rajen Tamang. Rajen had requested the Court to allow religious gatherings in his karaoke on the basis of freedom of religion. The Tsirang Dzongkhag and Municipality under the Dzongda had cut water …

A 25-year-old female Bhutanese student has died in Melbourne, Australia on 11th December 2024.  The Druk Melbourne Association, a Bhutanese community organization along with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy (RBE) in Australia, is providing support to the deceased’s family.  The association is assisting with the repatriation process, coordinating with the relevant …

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has directed the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment (MoICE), the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) to evaluate the feasibility of direct imports of cars from dealers outside to ensure cost savings for consumers. These measures would be implemented once the direct …

In response to pressing challenges in Bhutan’s education system, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) has outlined concrete steps to ensure the successful endorsement and implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2024. The policy, which has been submitted for Cabinet approval, represents a significant leap in addressing …

During the 10th Meet-the-Press session, the Minister of Education and Skills Development elaborated on the ministry’s ongoing efforts to regularize contract teachers and tackle the issue of teacher shortages in Bhutan. The ministry, in collaboration with the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), is working towards establishing the National Teaching Service …

During the Meet-the-Press held on 6th December, the government addressed questions regarding its decision to introduce an airfare subsidy for SDF-paying tourists during lean months. The initiative aims to reduce the cost of air travel for the tourists by offering airfares at SAARC levels, thereby, encouraging increased arrivals. The Minister …

The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) has highlighted significant concerns about the State of Media in Bhutan, in its comprehensive review, presented as part of the 11th Sitting of the National Council. Despite Constitutional guarantees for freedom of the press, radio, television, and electronic media introduced with democracy in …