The Bhutanese Leading the way.
A Bill has proposed significant amendments to the National Assembly Act of 2008, introducing new measures to enhance legislative, representative, and oversight functions.
The National Assembly Act 2008 (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to address evolving political and administrative needs, strengthen parliamentary processes, and ensure greater accountability of government officials.
The Chairperson of the Legislative Committee and Member of Parliament (MP) for Nyisho-Saephu, Kuenga, introduced the motion for the First Reading of the National Assembly (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2024. The motion was supported by a show of hands from the House. During the Second Reading, the Chairperson emphasized that certain provisions of the National Assembly Act of 2008 needed to be amended to enhance the House’s effectiveness.
Some of the new sections introduced were the ground for the motion of no confidence against the government and the ministers and Independence of the National Assembly Secretariat.
In the Bill, the ground for the motion of no confidence against the government and council of ministers has been set.
The Chair of Legislative committee, MP Kuenga shared, “We added the ground basis because it wasn’t clear in the past. If the people don’t trust the government and the ministers then we have set the ground for which we can opt for the motion of no confidence against them. This will go to the house where by the MPs can vote on it. We’ve just put up the bill right now so there may be changes according to that.”
The grounds for No Confidence against Government are based on the ground such as the policy corruption, general corruption, or failure to respond adequately to national crises.
The grounds for No Confidence against a Minister are based on grounds such as incapacity, incompetence, or serious misconduct as reasons for proposing a motion against an individual Minister.
In the Bill for Independence of the National Assembly Secretariat, it was set that the National Assembly Secretariat is to be redefined as an independent and equivalent in position level to a Ministry Secretary, with the Secretary General’s performance directly evaluated by the Speaker.
“Previously, the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) conducted evaluations for the secretary, but now we propose that the Speaker directly evaluates the Secretary General’s performance. Additionally, concerning members receiving security escorts in risk-prone areas, the provision existed but lacked formal implementation, so we are clarifying this. Furthermore, regarding breaches of privileges, an amendment stipulates that non-compliance with resolutions passed by the house will lead to charges of breach of privileges, augmenting current legislation,” he elaborated.
A new section has also been added as an expanded responsibilities for the MPs. This new section outlines the enhanced responsibilities of MP of the National Assembly.
It includes various functions such as legislative duties (deliberating, amending, repealing, and passing laws), proposing Private Members’ Bills, and reviewing international agreements subject to ratification.
Members are also tasked with representing their constituents effectively by voicing their concerns and informing them about parliamentary decisions and government programs through regular constituency visits.
Other amendment includes such as the act will allow members to request to speak via electronic means (pressing a push button switch), ensuring efficient management of parliamentary debates and guarantee equal speaking opportunities for all.
The House subsequently referred the Amendment Bill to the Legislative Committee for thorough review. The Committee is expected to submit its review report in time for the Third Reading scheduled for 27 June 2024.
