DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

The Economic Affairs Committee (EAC) of the National Council has highlighted significant barriers to Rural Credit Access in Bhutan, revealing that the agriculture sector, despite employing nearly half of the country’s workforce, receives less than 5% of the total credit portfolio. The EAC’s comprehensive report, presented during the Seventh Sitting …

The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) Namgyal Dorji shared that the works are going on for the reduction of 50 percent data charges for the two telecom operators in the country, Bhutan Telecom and Tashi Cell. During the Parliament session, Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Khar-Yurung and …

As LGBTQI+ community members grow older, many face an uncertain future, struggling with financial instability, limited employment opportunities, and societal exclusion. Despite progress in fostering acceptance for younger generations, ageing LGBTQI+ individuals remain overlooked, revealing significant gaps in policies and social support systems. According to Pride Bhutan, 51.2% of LGBTQI+ …

The Natural Resources and Environment Committee (NREC) presented the Marriage (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2024 for deliberation in the National Council. In his presentation, the Chairperson of the NREC, Kelzang Lhendup, briefly outlined various consultations done with the relevant authorities. The Bhutan Living Standards Survey 2022 reveals that nearly 16,500 …

During the 3rd Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth Parliament, South Thimphu’s MP Tshewang Rinzin raised a question to the Ministry of Health (MoH) regarding the implementation of free healthcare services in Bhutan. He highlighted concerns about patients who are referred late to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National …

Their Majesties The King and Gyaltsuen, along with Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, visited the Buddha Dordenma at Kuenselphodrang to offer prayers before a sacred Buddha relic on 22 November 2024. Brought from France through the efforts of His Eminence Kalu …

His Majesty The King visited the Gyalsung Academies in Khotokha, Wangduephodrang and Jamtsholing, Samtse on 18 November and granted Audience to the Gyalsups of the inaugural batch of Gyalsung, Bhutan’s National Service. Earlier on 16 November His Majesty The King visited Gyalsung Academies in Gyalpozhing, Mongar and Pemathang, Samdrup Jongkhar …

A report by the Ministry of Health (MoH) has outlined significant actions to address the critical challenges facing the healthcare system, including overcrowding at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) and the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic capacity. The comprehensive report, responding to resolutions adopted by the National Assembly, …

With a growing number of individuals opting to buy from online businesses, which operate without the heavy burden of taxes or rent typically faced by shopkeepers, the traditional market is at risk. These home-based businesses operate from TikTok, a social media platform that has been rapidly gaining popularity in Bhutan. …

The Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan (RSEB) has highlighted a growing issue in the country’s stock market, unclaimed dividends. Two of the largest companies listed on the exchange, the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Limited (RICBL) and Druk Punjab National Bank (DPNB) has large amount of unclaimed dividends. The main …