DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

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 …

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 …