EDITORIAL

In Bhutan, few issues stir as much public interest and debate as civil service pay hikes. The history of such revisions reflects both our national aspirations and the limits of our fiscal realities. In the past major hikes have often followed hydropower milestones like Chukha, Tala and Mangdechu. Even the …

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’s first-ever State Visit to Viet Nam from 18th to 22nd August marks a historic milestone in Bhutan’s foreign relations, strengthening ties with a nation that has become a beacon of resilience, economic dynamism, and cultural pride in Asia. The warm welcome …

The decision to bring the entire Paro Valley from Shabha to Tsento  under Local Area Plans (LAPs) is nothing short of historic. Spanning 36 square kilometres, it is the largest LAP exercise after Thimphu, promising orderly growth, modern infrastructure, and preservation of the valley’s cultural and agricultural heart. The vision …

By 27th August, Punatsangchu II will be fully commissioned at over 1,020 MW, a landmark achievement for Bhutan’s hydropower sector. Yet, without an agreed tariff and a signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with India, not a single unit can be exported. For Bhutan, this is not just a delay, it …

The story of Jangchub Dorji, is a microcosm of the challenges our private sector faces and a reminder of how far we still have to go in building a truly enabling environment for entrepreneurship in Bhutan. Jangchub is not a flybynight operator. He is a young, capable entrepreneur with a …

The Tsirang Dzongda’s move to stop Rajen Tamang’s religious gatherings has split Bhutan down a fault line. The constitutional promise of religious freedom versus the cultural fear of conversion and proselytism. Both sides claim legality and both say they protect harmony.  However, only one fully respects process and proportionality. Article …

The phenomenal rise of Bhutan’s ferro silicon sector from a modest beginning in 1990 to a Nu 17.7 billion export powerhouse in 2024 was largely driven by international market cycles, cheap hydro power, and policy support. But today, the country stands at a crossroads with nine new ferro factories coming …

On the sunlit morning of July 8, 2025, amidst the rhythm of machinery and sacred chants, Bhutan witnessed the beginning of a journey that will outlast all of us. With His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and Their Royal Highnesses standing shoulder to shoulder with Desuups and Gyalsups …

Behind the calm demeanor of Bhutan’s civil service and corporate institutions lies a reality many dare not speak aloud- toxic office environments that are draining morale, creativity, and mental health. In a nation that prides itself on compassion and harmony, this growing toxicity is Bhutan’s silent workplace crisis. Whether in …

The recently adopted Excise Tax Bill 2025 and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Amendment Bill 2025 are undoubtedly a progressive step forward. They promise significant reductions in vehicle prices slashing costs by up to Nu 660,000 for some models. But in a twist of irony, the very laws meant …