THE NATION

Following the detection of the first COVID-19 case in the country, fears of food shortages have prompted some people to panic buy and stockpile on food items and other necessities, like face masks and hand sanitizers. A whole sale retailer based in Thimphu, Kezang, said that during the news of …

The Bhutanese reporter Usha Drukpa interviewed the WHO Representative to Bhutan Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus. He said the people of Bhutan should be concerned but not be too worried and there is no need to panic, as there is no widespread community transmission, with only one imported case, so …

It was supposed to be a press conference, but following the detection of the first COVID-19 case in the country, the Members of Parliament who were assembled with the reporters also raised questions to the government regarding the plans and strategies to contain the virus. Lhaki Dolma, NC, Member of …

A lot of people are coming forward to check themselves for COVID-19, especially those who have been out of Bhutan and also people suffering from the common seasonal flu. Medical Superintendent of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Dr Gosar Pemba, said any person with flu like symptoms are …

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill saga hit yet another turn as the National Council (NC) voted for the withdrawal of the Bill, following concerns that the government is yet to set up the necessary infrastructures, software and manpower for its execution. Having seen an out-and-out agreement on votes …

2 to 3 percent of children who are not yet enrolled in school are suspected to be those with disabilities Paro College of Education on 20th February launched a Masters in Inclusive Education course to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to teach children with disabilities in both mainstream …

A standard operating procedure (SOP) was released by the National Assembly for the payment of Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) by regional tourists. The rationale behind the SOP is to facilitate and guide the payment of SDF by regional tourists, define the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders and to enhance …

The Chairperson of the Legislative Committee, Tshewang Lhamo, Member from Bongo-Chapchha Constituency presented the Committees recommendations on the Bill on the third reading of the Goods and Services Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020. After a much drawn out discussion on 6th February, the House couldn’t settle on a date of …

The DNT government in bringing about the GST Tax Bill may have unwittingly put in a provision in the Bill that clashes with the 2011 Supreme Court Tax verdict. The GST Bill in section 72 titled ‘Exemptions to manufacturer’ says, ‘On the recommendation of Ministry of Economic Affairs and Ministry …

The National Council in its deliberation of the Penal Code Amendment Bill on 17th and 20th January saw an interesting proposal from the NC Legislative Committee on the age of consent. The proposal is to prevent the criminalizing young boys who may have had sex with a girl between 16 …