The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The National Assembly Secretariat conducted a five-day long induction program for the members of the National Assembly which concluded on Friday.
The Induction Program for the new Parliamentarians was conducted mainly with the objective to familiarize and orient the members on the roles and functions of Parliament, to equip the Members with the basic knowledge of parliamentary practices and procedures to facilitate their effective participation in the legislative process, and to prepare the MPs to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate by way of active contribution.
The induction program, according to the National Assembly Secretariat is aimed to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the constitutional role and position as the supreme legislative institution.
Foreign Minister, Lyonpo (Dr) Tandin Dorji said that although he could not attend every session given his tight schedule pertaining to his duties, Lyonpo said that he tried his best to attend the program as far as his schedule allowed. “I had to skip few sessions with the permission of the Speaker to attend to the call of duty. However, from the feedback my fellow colleagues provided, and from the few sessions I attended, National Assembly secretariat did a wonderful job by initiating such course for every one of us,” said the foreign minister.
The Program included half an hour presentation followed by interactive discussion on the parliamentary and procedural themes.
The topics for discussion covered during the five-day induction program range from understanding parliamentary roles, privileges, legislative process, and entitlements to understanding parliamentary business, Committees, procedures and code of conduct.
The Economic Affairs minister, Lyonpo Loknath Sharma said that the induction program was a good way to recollect back the notable etiquettes necessary in the profession and revive the standard norms. “The practical sessions were also very effective. However, I felt that the number of days for the session could be shortened in the future,” said the minister.
The members also learnt Bhutan’s Foreign Policy and Diplomatic protocol, conducted by the Foreign Secretary and Chief of Protocol. Members were also given an orientation on the voting system in the parliament.
The members were also given a refresher course on Driglam Namzha- both practical and theory sessions.
The former parliamentarians were invited as panelists for the discussions. The NA Secretariat conducted the program for the first time based on the feedbacks received from the former members.
