The 2019 Pay Revision Act is very clear that Ministers or positions equivalent to them are entitled to one chauffer driven SUV of 3,000 cc each, which means one Toyota Prado for each of them. However, in contravention to the Act, it has been learnt that the Finance Minister, Foreign …
Read More »RAA sounds alarm on debt, fiscal deficit and revenue
The 2020-21 Annual Audit Report for the first time has given a lot of space to the issues of increasing national debt, rising fiscal deficits and the faster rise of current expenditure compared to revenue. RAA has pointed to debt as one of the main issues in its executive summary …
Read More »How a Senior Customs Inspector got millions in bribes and the larger bribery network at MDP
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) started their investigation in the Mini-Dry Port (MDP) after being alerted about the possible existence of bribery and extortion by Customs officials and loaders while importing goods through the MDP and other designated areas in Phuentsholing sometime in June 2021. The investigation by the ACC was …
Read More »RAA says Nu 123.16 mn in malpractice and abuse by STCBL
Total of 133 mn under Fraud and Corruption in RAA Annual Audit Report The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) in its Annual Report of 2020-2021 said it found Nu 123.16 mn in malpractices and abuse by the STCBL. Of the total 133.066 mn under the fraud and corruption heading the bulk …
Read More »Govt to borrow heavily and invest big to revive economy and avoid GDP slump during transition
The Prime Minister Dasho (Dr) Lotay Tshering and the Finance Minister Lyonpo Namgay Tshering both said Bhutan would not only have to go beyond the 12th plan, but also borrow large amounts for projects to help revive the economy, and also avoid a slump during the transition period in late …
Read More »RUB suspends lecturer and forwards case to RBP
After conducting its own investigation in the Sherubtse Harassment case, the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) has suspended the assistant lecturer Dorji Phuntsho, and handed his case over to the police. The RUB Vice Chancellor Nidup Dorji said, “We have handed over the case to the Trashigang Police for further …
Read More »Trading getting tougher with a more formal and protectionist India
Recently there was some hype in the Indian media about seven additional entry and exit points for trade between Bhutan and India at a secretary level meeting, however, a senior official, on the condition of anonymity said these are not new and have been approved in principle and have been …
Read More »The story of 12,000 Bhutanese in Australia
Close to 12,000 Bhutanese are staying in Australia, with about 5,000 being registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While some go for jobs, others go to become permanent residents, many go for studies and some go on vacations or visits there to be with family and friends. “There is …
Read More »More than 100 plus Gups yet to get Audit Clearance for LG elections
The last date to file nominations are on 22nd November 2021, but as of now more than 100 incumbent Gups are yet to get their Audit Clearances to either resign or take part in the local government elections. It is understood that the majority of these 100 plus Gups from …
Read More »PM says no abrupt opening up and everything will be within COVID-19 norms
With around 80 percent of Bhutanese expected to be fully vaccinated soon, there is increasing pressure on the government from large sectors like Construction and Tourism to open up or lighten restrictions. However, the Prime Minister Dasho (Dr) Lotay Tshering in an interview to The Bhutanese said that whatever is …
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The Bhutanese Leading the way.