The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Meanwhile different ministries have been allocated to each of the advisors
The interim government, formed after the end of the elected government’s term, will function on the same principles as the government, but with the limited powers as prescribed by the Constitution.
Under which, it will receive timely and regular briefings from the ministries, the constitutional bodies, the commissions, the autonomous bodies, and other agencies, so as to keep the interim government abreast of evolving situations, emerging trends in the country, and of external events that could have a bearing on the State.
The ministries and concerned agencies will continue to consider all such legal documents and MoUs to be signed with foreign governments and agencies, which were approved by the previous government and are under negotiations, and also sign them as signing does not constitute a new initiative.
This is the first time that an interim government has been set up following the enactment of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Hence, there was no precedence.
The interim government will ensure the continuance of all the routine government functions in a seamless manner until the next elected government takes up office after the elections.
In view of this situation, discussions were held amongst the interim government advisors as well as with the cabinet secretary, and the secretaries to the Royal Government of Bhutan. The constitutional provisions and the Royal Kasho were carefully examined.
The following conclusions were drawn up for the functioning of the interim government:
The cabinet secretariat will support and function as the interim government’s secretariat, as in the case of the regular cabinet. The ministries, the constitutional bodies, the commissions, the autonomous bodies, and other agencies will ensure that normal government functions are carried out so that existing activities of the government continue, especially those in the pipeline like, the completion of the 10th Five-Year Plan, formulation of the 11th Five-Year Plan, and discussions on projects and mobilization of aid/financing with foreign entities.
The interim government will allocate ministries to the advisors to facilitate the broad oversight of the functioning of the government, and efficient interaction/interface between the interim government and the ministries, but without undue interference in the day-to-day routine functioning of the ministries.
The ministries will study and make recommendations for the future on critical issues of long-term national concerns such as, the fiscal and monetary situation and trends, education, employment, immigration, and good governance.
The assignment of portfolios will be as provided here under:
Chief Advisor Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs; Advisor Lyonpo Om Pradhan: Ministry of Agriculture & Forests and Ministry of Information & Communications; Advisor Thinley Dorji: Ministry of Health; Advisor Dasho Neten Zangmo: Ministry of Works and Human Settlement; Advisor Dasho Karma Ura: Ministry of Finance, GNH Commission, Tourism Council of Bhutan and National Statistical Bureau; Advisor Dasho Pema Thinley: Ministry of Education; Advisor Dasho Chhewang Rinzin: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Ministry of Labour & Human Resources.
The interim government will assist and enable the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) to hold free and fair elections in the nation, and enhance harmony, unity, happiness and well being of the people of Bhutan.
This has been issued by the chief advisor of the interim government on 6 May, 2013 for compliance by all the ministries, the constitutional bodies, the commissions, the autonomous bodies, and other agencies of the Royal Government.
