The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Member of Parliament from the Lamgong Wangchang Constituency, Sonam Tashi, asked the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment (MoICE) regarding the insufficient maternity and paternity leave in the corporate and private sectors in the country.
He stated that while civil service institutions and DHI-owned companies have introduced progressive policies many employers in the private and corporate sectors still offer only two to three months of maternity leave.
The MoICE Minister, Namgyal Dorji, replied that the internal Service Rules (ISRs) serve as the primary instruments for formalising employee benefits, including leave entitlements and workplace support systems. According to the Department of Labour (DoL), a total of 1,439 ISRs have been endorsed by the Department and the Regional Labour Offices. These ISRs are developed by individual companies in accordance with the minimum requirements of the Labour and Employment Act.
Lyonpo stated that employers that propose benefits exceeding the minimum standards of the Act are endorsed, while those falling short are not approved. The process involves consultations between employers and employees, fostering a participatory approach that empowers both parties and encourages a sense of ownership over workplace policies. This joint approach contributes to more effective and mutually beneficial implementation. DoL and the Regional Labour Offices extend direct on-site support, often through door-to-door services, to facilitate ISR development and implementation. However, resource limitations continue to pose a challenge in reaching and supporting all eligible enterprises.
According to the ministry, several mechanisms have been put in place to ensure ISRs remain responsive to evolving employee needs, particularly concerning parental leave and childcare.
These include regular workplace inspections, where ISRs are reviewed to assess the effectiveness of parental leave policies and working conditions. The ministry also stated that in the 2023-2024 period alone, more than 1,500 workplace inspections were conducted. Additionally, an online complaint and feedback form on the ministry’s official website enables employees, employers, and the public to raise concerns or suggest improvements related to workplace conditions. The combination of workplace inspections and public engagement is intended to create a system of continuous review and accountability.
Lyonpo stated that MoICE is also addressing the need for childcare services, especially in urban areas, where working parents face a shortage of reliable childcare options. One measure includes the approval and facilitation of Foreign Childcare Givers (FCCs) and foreign domestic workers. This initiative supports dual-income households by providing access to trained individuals who can assist in childcare. The pilot program for FCCs launched on 20th October 2024, and has since been expanded, with 327 FCCs approved to date. In addition, 189 Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) have been approved, focusing on caregiving for the elderly, chronically ill, and differently-abled individuals.
The ministry encouraged medium and large scale employers, particularly in urban and industrial areas, to establish workplace crèches in line with the National Commission for Women and Children’s Guidelines for Crèche Centres. These facilities are to be managed by individuals trained in early childhood care, ensuring safety and a nurturing environment.
Legal provisions also exist to support nursing mothers. Section 114 of the Labour and Employment Act entitles nursing mothers to interrupt work every four hours after maternity leave to nurse their children. These nursing breaks are considered paid working hours. Additionally, standard labour regulations ensure a maximum of eight working hours per day, weekly days off, and access to various forms of paid leave, including casual, annual, maternity, paternity, and sick leave.
