DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

The members of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee (NREC) presented the interim review report on the Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) Marketing Policy to the House. Although RNR Marketing Policy is in place, there are challenges that impede the operation and performance of the RNR sector, in terms of the …

Nanglam MP Choida Jamtsho during the Question and Answer session of National Assembly (NA) said that Kanglung under Trashigang and Nanglam under Pemagatshel were identified as the economic centers in the eastern regions since the previous government’s tenure. In addition, Motanga under Samdrupjongkhar was started as an industrial estate. In …

There were shockwaves through the LGBTIQ community in Bhutan last month when the National Council Legislative Committee recommended to not repeal section 213 and 214 that criminalized homosexuality. The main issue for NC was that removal of section 213 on Unnatural Sex and its penalty in section 214 may end …

Dramedtse Ngatshang MP Ugyen Wangdi, during the Question and Answer session in National Assembly, put up a question to the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs (MoHCA) on what measures are being taken by the government to ensure the safety of the travelers commuting via road through the borders. He …

The no exam policy for class PP to 3 is being implemented this year. The new system uses formative assessment to measure the learning process instead of exams. With the age of enrollment reduced to 5 years from 6 years, the nation will see around 6,000 to 7,000 students enrolling …

Although the Employment and Livelihood Corporation (ELC) is not in existence, however, the Labour and Human Resources Ministry expect that the Employment Responsibility System (ERS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) council will deliver the mandate. During the question hour session in National Assembly, Nanong-Shumar MP, Lungten Namgyel, …

Women, Children and Youth Committee (NCYC) of the National Assembly (NA) has conducted two rounds of consultation meetings with National Commission of Women and Children (NCWC), assigned as the lead agency for coordination, implementing and reporting on the National Key Result Area (NKRA) 10 (Gender Equality) of the 12th FYP. …

Mobiles to be around 30% cheaper and hybrid vehicles vehicles to have 50% less tax The Tax (Amendment) Act 2020 of Bhutan saw the controversial five percent voucher tax being removed and there was much appreciation from the public. However, the government will be taking a large annual revenue hit …

The Legislative Committee of the National Council (NC) recommended that clause 213 and 214 on unnatural sex should not be removed from the Penal Code of Bhutan. NC was divided on whether to remove the clause or not. Half of the NC members supported the removal of the two clauses, …

On 17 January 2020, the Governments of Bhutan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding to extend the Nehru-Wangchuck scholarship scheme for another five years.  The renewed MOU was signed by Kinga Singye, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan, and Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, on behalf of the Governments of Bhutan and India …