DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

So far, it is well known that businesses with annual turnover of Nu 5 million (mn) and above come under compulsory GST registration. However, what is not known is that if a businessowner has multiple licenses under his or her name, and the combined are a turnover of Nu 5 …

Bhutan’s overall crime rate has declined over the past four years as per Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) data, but a closer examination reveals that road accidents, narcotics, sexual offences and cyber fraud are steadily rising. According to RBP statistics covering the period from 2022 to 2025, total general crime cases …

As the first light of dawn touched the southern hills of Samtse, two runners stood by the roadside, tightening their shoelaces against the cold. With backpacks on their shoulders and Bhutan’s national flag fluttering behind them, they began running, step by step, towards the other end of Bhutan.   The runners are part …

Businesses are confused about the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and speak about the lack of advocacy. With 4,500 businesses under compulsory GST registration, the GST Help Desk has also been getting about a minimum of 100 people coming for enquiries and complaints daily. Several business owners said they …

Five bar licenses were suspended and three establishments were fined in Sarpang in 2025, based on the severity and nature of the offences. The violations ranged from suspected prostitution to the sale of alcohol to minors, according to the Regional Office of Industry, Commerce and Employment. Of the five suspended …

As expected, vehicle prices have come down across all categories from 1st January 2026 with the implementation of the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Excise Tax which combined together is lower than the Sales Tax and Green Tax of the past. At the same time the price …

The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) reported a case of misuse of public funds amounting to Nu 4.553 million (mn) at the Regional Office of Industry, Commerce and Employment (ROICE), Samdrup Jongkhar. The irregularity involved the accountant of the office, who adjusted personal advances released to officials as expenditure without supporting …

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) has acknowledged and taken seriously the concerns related to hoarding, price competition from Indian potatoes, and low demand for small-sized Bhutanese potatoes, following the minister’s visit to the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL) Auction Yard. “The concerns being raised regarding potato auctions …

On 30th December 2025, a day before the Meet the Press conference with the Ministers, the Opposition Party called Media houses to deliberate and clarify matters over deliberations held during the fourth session of the Fourth Parliament. The Opposition Leader began the press conference with a brief insight on the …

The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) on 28th December 2025 announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Fourth Sector Group (4SG), a global platform advancing economic systems that prioritise human and planetary wellbeing. The partnership aims to support the development of a for-benefit economic ecosystem within …