๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ค ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
- December 28th, 2021
- 311 views
His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo graced the closing ceremony of the Sixth Session of the Third Parliament today. The ceremony was also attended by senior government officials and foreign dignitaries.
๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ
- December 28th, 2021
- 299 views
The closing ceremony of the 28th session of the National Council began with the address by His Excellency Tashi Dorji, Hon’ble Chairperson of the National Council followed by Zhabten and a Tashi Moenlam.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ
- December 28th, 2021
- 300 views
Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering tabled the Annual Report on the State of the Nation to the Joint Sitting of the House today.
๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐โ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ
- December 28th, 2021
- 282 views
The House today continued the deliberation on the Public Accounts Committeeโs (PAC) review reports. On the follow-up review report of surface collection and dredging of riverbed materials (RBM), the House was informed that out of ten issues of lapses and irregularities, four have been settled, and five are partially settled whereas one issue is yet to be settled as of 29th October 2021.
๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ข๐ญ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ข๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐
- December 28th, 2021
- 267 views
The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Honโble Ugyen Tshering (NC, Paro) presented the Committeeโs Review Report on Annual Audit Report 2020, Follow up on Review Reports of AAR 2010-2019, Performance Audit Reports and implementation status of the resolutions to the Joint Sitting of the Parliament today.
๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง
- December 28th, 2021
- 281 views
The 12th Sitting of the National Council (NC) commenced with the re-deliberation of the Civil Society Organizations (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2021. The House also adopted the final recommendations on the various legislation and policies reviews as proposed by the respective Committees.
12 Sitting
- December 28th, 2021
- 136 views
๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง (๐๐๐๐๐)
- December 28th, 2021
- 289 views
๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง
- December 28th, 2021
- 275 views
๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ
- December 28th, 2021
- 265 views
10th Sitting
- December 28th, 2021
- 132 views
๐๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ (๐๐) ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ญ
- December 28th, 2021
- 261 views
In the 9th Sitting today, the Honโble Member Ugyen Tshering, Chairperson of the Economic Affairs Committee presented a brief report on the Bill to the House. He reported that the Committee was assigned to review the Bill taking into account all the recommendations and views shared by the Honโble Members. He further reported that along with the concerned Members, the Committee also conducted a meeting with the Ministry to clarify some of the issues in the bill. Altogether, the Committee proposed a total of 41 sections for amendment in the Act.
Introduction of ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐.
- December 28th, 2021
- 274 views
The Bill was deliberated in the ongoing session of the National Assembly and adopted on 6 December 2021. The Bill was declared as a Money Bill and forwarded to the National Council.
๐ณ๐๐ต ๐ฆ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐น๐น๐
- December 28th, 2021
- 257 views
The Finance Minister, Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, introduced three money bills in the House for amendment this morning. The Bills included the Custom Duty (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2021; the Tax (Amend) Bill of Bhutan 2021; and the Goods and Services Tax (Amend) Bill of Bhutan 2021.
๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข-๐๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐- ๐๐๐๐
- December 28th, 2021
- 268 views
The two days deliberation on the review report on the Anti – Corruption Commission’s Annual Report 2020-2021 by the Good Governance Committee concluded today. The House directed the Committee to prepare the final recommendations along with the report for adoption.
๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ (๐๐๐) ๐๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐๐๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฒ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง
- December 28th, 2021
- 279 views
His Excellency Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Minister for Economic Affairs introduced the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the Peopleโs Republic of Bangladesh and the Royal Government of Bhutan, followed by deliberation of the agreement.
4th Sitting
- December 28th, 2021
- 122 views
The House today resumed its deliberation on the five recommendations proposed by the Legislative Committee (LC) on the review report on Consolidation, Repeal and Publication of Legislations presented yesterday, 30 November 2021.
While the House supported the recommendations as proposed by LC on the review report on Consolidation, Repeal and Publication of Legislation, the Honโble Members also suggested additional recommendations to the Committee on simplifying and creating awareness on the existing laws, rules and regulations. As highlighted by the committee, the Honโble Members also recommended repeal of the Education City Act which is the lone legislation that could be repealed immediately and to also explore the procedure in repealing other obsolete laws. Recommendations on the need to further carry out in-depth research to identify obsolete laws in the country and make the existing policies, guidelines, rules and regulations, and international conventions, treaties and agreements consistent with the laws adopted by the parliament by the relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders were also proposed by the Honโble members amongst others.
The House assigned the Committee to revisit the recommendations taking into consideration the additional recommendations proposed by the Honโble Members and present the final recommendations to the House for approval.
๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐ซ๐๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐ข๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ (๐๐๐๐) ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ฐ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฌ
The Natural Resources and Environment Committee (NREC) presented its review report on State-Owned Enterprises (SOEโs), an in-depth deliberation took place on the five recommendations proposed by the Committee. The Committee also clarified the issues raised by the Honโble Members on the proposed recommendations.
Hon’ble Member Tirtha Man Rai, Chairperson of NREC briefly stated the background, problem-statement and the objectives of the report and proposed five recommendations to the House.
Stating the existing number of SOEs in the country, the Honโble Member reported that the objective of reviewing the issues is to understand the operation and management of SOEs under the Ministry of Finance for effective and efficient service delivery.
Highlighting the problem statement, he reported that the general perception is that SOEs compete with the private sector and crowd out the private firms due to favourable government terms. Besides, SOEs have been established rampantly raising concerns of their establishment for the execution of political pledges.
The Committee recommendations include Reconstitution of SOEs; exploring the possibility of establishing Farm Shop Services by the gewogs; location for Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) Services; Waving off of a certain portion of Non-performance -loans; and the Government to develop and implement the Charter or Bylaws.
The House referred the report back to the Committee as most of the members were of the view that the recommendations of the Committee require further deliberation and clarification. Therefore, the House asked the Committee and the concerned members to revisit and finalize the recommendations for adoption.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐(๐๐๐) ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ’๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข-๐๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐งโ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐-๐๐
Specifying the provision of the Constitution, Honโble Member Surja Man Thapa, Chairperson of the GGC reported that the Annual Report 2020-2021 is the 14th report and the first report of the Third Commission submitted to the Druk Gyalpo, Prime Minister and the Parliament. He said that the report encompasses the performance for the period of 18 months, from January 2020 to June 2021.
As per the norm of the House, the Annual Report 2020-2021 has been assigned to the Good Governance Committee (GGC) for its review. The review report consists of Performance of the ACC; Organizational Outlook; Implementation Status of Resolutions of the Parliament; and Issues for deliberation and Recommendations.
๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐
- December 28th, 2021
- 263 views
๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข-๐๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง (๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ) ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐
- December 28th, 2021
- 272 views
Opening Ceremony of the 28th Session of the National Council
- December 28th, 2021
- 134 views
๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฌ
- June 15th, 2021
- 786 views
Deliberation on GST (Amendment) Bill 2021 and CD Bill 2021
- June 15th, 2021
- 840 views
QA with MoEA & MoE
- June 15th, 2021
- 284 views
- ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ง’๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ง’๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
- ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐๐๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐
- ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฑ (๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ) ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐
๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐-๐๐ฐ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฌ
- June 15th, 2021
- 686 views
The Natural Resources and Environment Committee (NREC) of the National Council presented an interim Review Report on the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to the House, today. The Committee reported that there are 38 SOEs in the country playing a strategic role towards socio-economic development. It stated that there are 16 SOEs under the MoF (2 are under Queen’s Project), and 22 under Druk Holding and Investments (DHI). The review was undertaken to understand the profile, sustainability, impacts and challenges of SOEs for effective and efficient service delivery.
Enactment of the Civil Liability (Torts) Bill
- June 5th, 2021
- 289 views
Civil Society Organization (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2021
- June 5th, 2021
- 279 views
National Council deliberated on the Civil Society Organization (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2021 in the 4th Sitting of the Session.
NC Deliberates on Green Climate Fund Agreement (P&I)
- May 31st, 2021
- 310 views
His Excellency Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, Minister of Finance, introduced the Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on the Privileges and Immunities of the Green Climate Fund to the National Council today.
Following the introduction, the Natural Resources and Environment Committee presented a Review Report of the Agreement. The committee reported that there is no severe implication on national interest by ratifying the Agreement. Instead, it would supplement and benefit the existing plans and further enhance Bhutan’s coordination with GCF to fulfil the Agreement’s purpose.
The House, then, deliberated on each of the 14 Articles of the Agreement and the committee’s recommendations.
Green Climate Fund is an opportunity for Bhutan to avail sustained grant for the execution of developmental projects. The GCF has approved 7 projects worth USD 56.86 million for Bhutan, and additional 6 projects amounting to USD 95.00 million are in the pipeline.
Further, the government has accredited the Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan Development Bank Limited and Bhutan National Bank to access GCF private sector loan facilities for private sector investment and development.
๐ ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ-๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง
- May 28th, 2021
- 706 views
His Majesty The King graced the Opening Ceremony of the 27th Session of the National Council today
- May 27th, 2021
- 275 views
Closing Ceremony of the fourth Session of the Third Parliamen
- December 14th, 2020
- 463 views
His Majesty The King graced the Closing Ceremony of the fourth Session of the Third Parliament. The fourth session commenced on 26th November.
State of the Nation report to the Parliament
- December 14th, 2020
- 513 views
๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฌ
- December 14th, 2020
- 989 views
Public Accounts Committee presents the Committeeโs Review Report on Royal Audit Authorityโs Annual Report 2019 and Audit Review Reports from 2010-2018
- December 14th, 2020
- 455 views
The Report was presented in four parts:
- Annual Audit Report 2019 of the Royal Audit Authority;
- Follow up Review Reports of AAR 2010-2018;
- Compliance Audit Reports; and
- Other Reports.
The Chairperson submitted eleven recommendations of the Committee on the Royal Audit Authorityโs Annual Report 2019 and Audit Review Reports from 2010-2018.
The Report on Annual Audit Report 2019 covered the irregularities by agency, irregularities by categories, summary of joint audits of hydropower projects, committeeโs finding and its recommendations. The Follow-up Review Reports of AAR 2010-2018 reported on the overview of unresolved/resolved irregularities as of 30th September 2020 which included unresolved irregularities pertaining to Hydro-power projects for AAR 2018. The Compliance Audit Report covered reports on northern east-west highway construction, surface collection and dredging of riverbed materials (RBM) and government property management systems. The Other Reports included the Auditor Generalโs advisory series on Bhutan schedules of rates and its application by the government agencies and the committeeโs recommendation on it.
The House after extensive deliberation adopted all the eleven recommendations with all 65 members present and voting, voting YES.
Joint Sitting of the Parliament adopts the CCPC (Amend) and PCB (Amend) Bill of Bhutan 2019
- December 11th, 2020
- 478 views
Civil and Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019
The Chairperson of Joint Committee on Civil and Criminal Procedure Code (CCPC) presented the seven disputed clauses of the Civil and Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019 along with a brief report of the Joint Committee.
While deliberating on the recommendations made by the Joint Committee on the Bill, the House endorsed the recommendations on the six disputed clauses except for Section 205: Motion for new Trials. The Committee had recommended that the clause be repealed but after considering the concerns raised by several Members, the House with a majority show of hands decided to retain the original clause.
The Joint Sitting adopted the Civil and Criminal Procedureย Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019 withย 65 Yesย andย 6 Abstainย out ofย 71 Members present and voting.
Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019
The Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Penal Code of Bhutan presented to the Joint Sitting the committeeโs review on the 24 disputed clauses of the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019 which included the 8 additional new clauses.
After a thorough and prolonged discussion on all the recommendations of the Joint Committee, the Joint Sitting adopted the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019 withย 63 Yesย andย 6 abstainingย out of theย 69 members present and voting
๐ก๐ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ ๐๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ; ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ป๐๐ถ-๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐๐ฝ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ต
- December 9th, 2020
- 880 views
๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐
- December 9th, 2020
- 947 views
๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ ๐๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ
- December 9th, 2020
- 994 views
Adoption of Mines and Minerals Bill of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2020
- December 9th, 2020
- 449 views
NC adopts Fiscal Incentives (Amendment) Bill 2020 with recommendations
- December 4th, 2020
- 439 views
Finance Minister proposes to extend the fiscal incentive
- December 3rd, 2020
- 449 views
National Council deliberates on two Bills
- December 2nd, 2020
- 428 views
NC Deliberates on Mines and Minerals Bill of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2020
- December 2nd, 2020
- 635 views
- In respecting the various provisions of the Constitution (1.10 1.12; 5.01; 5.04; 9.07; 9.10) which is the supreme law of the land;
- In adherence to the consistent position of the National Council through various debates, discussions, resolutions of the NC on the issue of Mines and Minerals passed since 2008;
- In recognition of the audit report of the Royal Audit Authority and the report of the Anti- Corruption Commission;
- In line with the recommendation of the National Law Review Task Force 2018 which stated that โ The Minerals and Mines Act 1995 ….must be amended …vests ownership of mineral resources in the State… In particular, those provisions in the MMMA and rules which give mining rights to private mining companies must be amended so that there are no infractions of the constitutional provisions.โ
Introducing of Mines and Minerals Bill of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2020
- December 2nd, 2020
- 403 views
Opening Ceremony of the National Council of Bhutan
- December 2nd, 2020
- 527 views
- The Ministry has to make the Multi-Sectoral Committee (MSC) functional for the effective implementation of the RNR Marketing Policy so that the marketing system is put in place by coordinating and harmonizing the approaches of all involved stakeholders. MSC has to seriously work to address the pertinent issues like reducing the huge gap between the import and production of tomatoes and onions, increasing the yield and reducing the import quantity of apples and oranges, substituting the import of those fruits that are never exported, reducing the price difference between import and export price of apples, shelled betel nuts and ginger.
- To improve the distribution of fresh and quality products within the country and export, there is a need to establish smaller capacity cold stores at strategic locations facilitated by refrigerated vans and establish other low-cost farm level stores as many as possible.
- There is a need to establish mechanisms among the stakeholders for discussing the findings of market studies and adoption of technically feasible processed products especially enhancing stronger collaboration between National Post Harvest Centre and Department of Agriculture Marketing and Cooperatives. Also, the Government has to continuously support the existing financial schemes with sufficient budget and good public awareness. Further, CSI bank has to upload the disqualification of loan application criteria on the website and need to work for providing the technical recommendation letters from the respective department electronically.
- To have better information, it is good to incorporate the estimated quantity of products required per market in the Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS) and also display it on TV screens in the Market. If possible, the estimated quantity, location of the products and cost of production needed to be incorporated in AMIS. Further public awareness on AMIS has to be carried out.
Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Session of the Third Parliament
- December 2nd, 2020
- 399 views
25th Session Concludes
- June 23rd, 2020
- 616 views
The 25th Session of the National Council concluded today. In the closing address, the Honโble Chairperson said that the House adopted two essential budget bills along with the recommendations and forwarded them to the National Assembly. He thanked the Honโble members for their participation in the deliberations. He also thanked them for their support and service to the government and the country through various means and capacity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Honโble Chairperson expressed appreciation to the Economic Affairs Committee for reviewing the bills and submitting points to the House for deliberation. He also thanked the Finance Minister for introducing the bills and responding to the questions of the members.
He thanked the Royal Bhutan Police, Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority, Bhutan Broadcasting Service and other media outlets, Department of National Properties and the Secretariat office for their support for the successful conduct of the Session.
The Honโble Chairperson offered prayers for the long life and prosperity of His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, His Royal Highness the Gyalsey, and the Members of the Royal Family. He also expressed gratitude to His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Lamas and Truelkus for their continued prayers for the peace and prosperity of the country.
The Session concluded with the offering of Zhapten and Tashi Moenlam.
NC Endorsed the Budget Appropriation Bills with Recommendations
- June 23rd, 2020
- 613 views
The House unanimously adopted the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill 2019-20; Budget Appropriation Bill 2020-21; and the recommendations on the National Budget 2020-21. There were 21 members present and voting.
Recommendations on the National Budget 2020-21:
The House adopted a total of seven recommendations including the general recommendations.
The House recommended the government to:
Delete leave encashment from the Dzongkha text of the National Budget 2020-21 as it is not mentioned in the Budget Appropriation Bill 2020-21;
Establish cold chain to link farms to the market outlet including the provision of transportation of produce by refrigerated van;
Continue to allocate mines (new mines and those mines whose leases expired) to the SMCL until the amendment of the Mines and Minerals Management Act is completed;
Immediately commission an independent third party to study the current problems and issues at the Punatsangchu-I hydroelectric project and find feasible solutions;
Make endowment fund for crop and livestock conservation operational as soon as possible so that the affected people can be compensated.
Come up with realistic expenditure measures to reduce wastage and redundancy in public spending and achieve overall efficiency in the utilization of limited public resources; and
Draft all bills, including money and financial bills, in accordance with the provisions of the Legislative Drafting Manual 2016 hereafter.
Deliberation on budget continues
- June 23rd, 2020
- 604 views
Continuing with the deliberation on budget, members acknowledged the government for its commitment and dedication, at different forefronts, towards minimizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. They expressed appreciation to the government for its efforts in the health and education sectors, and the initiatives for ensuring economic security of those affected. It was also highlighted that considering the limited budget in hand, the governmentย should make realistic spending and ensure timely and periodic monitoring of the disbursed budget.
After two days of deliberation on the budget, the House directed the Economic Affairs Committee (committee in-charge of the bills) and the concerned members to re-deliberate on relevant sections and prepare final recommendations for adoption.
NC deliberates on Budget
- June 23rd, 2020
- 534 views
The House deliberated on the National Budget Report for the Financial Year 2020-21 which also included the Budget Appropriation for FY 2020-21 and the Supplementary Budget Appropriation for FY 2019-20.
Deliberating on the report, some members raised concerns over the governmentโs budget policies of deferring LTC and withholding transfer benefits for civil servants and made suggestions of exploring alternative measures if available. Some Members wereย content with these measures. Some Members suggested for the deferment of Waste and Stray Dog Management and Water Flagship Programs in order curb expenditure, while some supported these Programs as prioritized by the government.
While deliberating on the report, the House with the show of hands unanimously endorsed the Annual Financial Statements for FY 2018-19.
Members also highly commended the government recent decision to allocate the Dolomite mines to the State Mining Corporation Limited. This is in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution and also places the interest of the nation and people at the forefront.
Members also deliberated on financial burden and delay of Punatsangchu hydro projects, compensation for crop damage and loss of livestock, the importance of cold storage facilities amongst others.
Finance Minister introduces Budget Bills
- June 23rd, 2020
- 681 views
The Finance Minister presented the National Budget Report for the FY 2020-21, and introduced the Budget Appropriation Bill for the FY 2020-21 and Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill for the FY 2019-20 to the House today. He informed the House that, with the theme of โEconomic Resilience and Transformationโ, the budget for the FY 2020-21 is aimed at intensifying and accelerating the implementation of programs and activities. The budget for FY 2020-21 is tabled in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the global economic situation and Bhutan is no exception.
The Finance Minister reported that the Budget Appropriation for the FY 2020-21 is for a sum not exceeding Nu. 73.98 billion, of which Nu. 32.90 billion is for current expenditure and Nu. 36.25 billion for capital expenditure. He informed that the domestic revenue for FY 2020-21 is estimated to decline by 14% and the economic growth for 2020 is projected at – 1.1% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The total public debt as on 31st March 2020 stood at Nu. 192.96 billion. He also introduced the Supplementary Budget Appropriation for the FY 2019-20 for a sum not exceeding Nu. 1.03 billion.
The Honโble Minister said that the government has, upon the Royal Command, established National Resilience Fund of Nu. 30 billion to support Druk Gyalpoโs Relief Kidu and 50% of the three-month interest waiver on loan. He informed the House that about 15,000 people have benefitted from the Relief Kidu and about 1,45,000 borrowers from the interest waiver. He also shared information on the governmentโs Fiscal Measures, Economic Contingency Plan and Monetary Measures. He also informed the House that the government, at present, has incurred a total expenditure of Nu. 1.4 billion for COVID-19 response.
The Honโble Minister stated that in order to meet the cost of recurrent expenditure from internal resources, the government will implement budget policies such as rationalizing in-country and ex-country travels; deferring Leave Travel Concession (LTC) payments; not hiring private building for office space; postponing the activation of salary indexation; withholding the transfer benefits; deferring the option of monetizing Vehicle Quota; and providing the current budget as Block grants.
Following the introduction, there was a Q&A session regarding electricity subsidy, budget policies, block grants, Renewable Natural Resources and roads amongst others.
25th Session of the National Council begins
- June 23rd, 2020
- 516 views
The 25th Session of the National Council commences as commanded by the Royal Kasho (Royal Decree) for the endorsement of the National Budget for the FY 2020-2021 and discussion on other subjects. The Opening Ceremony of the Session began with the offering of Marchang.
The Honโble Chairperson stated that the Session will be conducted from 9th to 16th of June with the closing of the Parliament scheduled on 17th June. He informed that the House will largely deliberate on and endorse the Budget Appropriation Bill for the FY 2020-21 and the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill for the FY 2019-20.
The Honโble Chairperson, on behalf of the all the Bhutanese and in particular the Honโble Members, expressed gratitude to His Majesty The King for His noble leadership and unwavering support and guidance for the country and the people amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Zhung Dratshang and other religious bodies for their continuous prayers and various religious conducts for the control of the pandemic. He also acknowledged the Prime Minister, Health Minister, health officials and those guarding the borders for their tireless efforts towards controlling COVID-19.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the successful conduct and completion of the Session.
NC convenes plenary session for upcoming session
- June 6th, 2020
- 594 views
The plenary session commenced coinciding with the 30th birth anniversary of our beloved Queen, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen with the offering of butter lamps, long life prayers and cake cutting ceremony.
As per the Royal Kasho received by the House, the 25th session of the National Council would convene from 9-16 June 2020 to deliberate on the Budget Appropriation Bill for the FY 2020-21 and other issues.
The Economic Affairs Committee was assigned to review the Budget Bill, and the review report will be submitted in the session for deliberation in the House.
Brainstorming session on TVET Reforms
- May 9th, 2020
- 616 views
The team led by the new CEO Dasho Kinga Tshering presented follow up on the Councils Review Report on the TVET and held a brainstorming session on TVET Reforms on April 16, 2020. Continue Reading…
The 24th NC Session Concludes
- March 10th, 2020
- 665 views
The 24th Session of the House concluded today in the august hall of the National Council with a concluding speech by the Chairperson. Followed by a long-life prayer of His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Tashi-Monlam.
Adoption of Impeachment Procedure Bill 2019 and Minister’s Entitlements Bill 2020
- March 10th, 2020
- 683 views
Adoption of Impeachment Procedure Bill of Bhutan 2019 and Minister and Minister Equivalent Post Holder’s Entitlements Bill 2020.
In the 33rd sitting, with 22 members present and voting the House unanimously decided to withdraw the Impeachment Procedure Bill of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2019 with the statements of reasons as proposed by the Natural Resources & Environment Committee.
The House also adopted the proposal of the Legislative Committee on the Ministers and Minister Equivalent Post Holdersโ Entitlement Bill of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2019 to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on the constitutionality or legality of the decision of the house of Parliament not discussing a Bill that has originated in another house.
Continue deliberation on the Public Accounts Committeeโs Report
- March 10th, 2020
- 600 views
Joint Sitting adopts five recommendations on the PAC review report.
With a two-day deliberation on the Public Accounts Committeeโs Review Report on RAAโs Annual Report 2018 in the Joint Sitting, the House adopted five recommendations. Three recommendations were adopted as proposed by the Committee and two additional were proposed by the House. Of the 64 members present and voting the recommendations were adopted with 63 โYESโ and 1 โABSTAINโ vote.
PAC Presents its Review Report on RAAโs Annual Report 2018 to the Joint Sitting
- March 10th, 2020
- 593 views
The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Honโble Phuntsho Rapten, Eminent Member, National Council, presented its report to the Joint Sitting of the Third Session of the Third Parliament today.
The Report consists of three chapters which included the Synthesis of the Annual Audit Report 2018; Follow up on Review Reports of AAR 2010-2017; and Follow up of past resolutions relating to Financial Audits. The Committee also presented its observations, findings and recommendations.
Adoptions of Bills and Recommendations on the Reports
- March 10th, 2020
- 608 views
In the 30th sitting, the House adopted final resolutions as proposed by relevant committees on three policies related to issues such as the Vehicle imports; Human Trafficking in Bhutan; and the program initiatives towards improving the Quality of Education. The House also adopted two Bills that are the Lhengye Zhungtshog Bill of Bhutan (2020); and Entitlement and Service Conditions (Amendment) Bill for the Holders, Members and Commissioners of Constitutional Offices of Bhutan (2020).
Continue deliberation on improving the Quality of Education
- March 10th, 2020
- 636 views
Today, the House deliberated on the recommendations submitted by the Good Governance Committee (GGC) on the Review of the Programme Initiatives towards improving the Quality of Education. In the 27th Sitting, the GGC Committee presented the review report to the House and submitted five issues for deliberation along with recommendations for consideration.
Continue deliberation on the Review of Human Trafficking in Bhutan
- March 10th, 2020
- 596 views
27th sitting of the House continued with the deliberation on the recommendations on the review report of legislation and Strategies for addressing Human Trafficking by Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC).
The members of the Good Governance Committee also presented the report on the review of Programme Initiatives towards improving the Quality of Education to the House.
NC adopts recommendations for the withdrawal of GST Bill
- March 10th, 2020
- 595 views
26th Sitting: Adoption of the recommendations of the Committee on the GST Bill for withdrawal and deliberation on the Review of Legislation and Strategies for Addressing Human Trafficking.
In the 26th sitting of the National Council, the House unanimously adopted the recommendations to withdraw the Goods and Services Tax Bill of Bhutan with 24 members present and voting.
Reporting on the changes made in the Bill as per the directive of the House yesterday, the Good Governance submitted two recommendations as follows for adoption.
1. The National Assembly to withdraw the adoption of the GST Bill 2020 until necessary systems are put in place including training of staff and creating public awareness; and
2. The Government to introduce the amendment of the Public Finance (Amendment) Act 2012 to draw a clear distinction between the Money Bill and the Financial Bill.
The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee also introduced the review of legislation and strategies for addressing human trafficking to the House.
Adoption of Supplementary Budget Bill and Pay Revision (Amendment) Bill 2020
- March 10th, 2020
- 612 views
The House adopted the Pay Revision (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 and the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill FY 2019-2020.
The House also deliberated on the Goods and Services Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020, which was passed by National Assembly and forwarded to National Council for deliberation. Good Governance Committee recommends for withdrawal of the Goods and Services Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020. This isย in order to uphold Section 46B of the PFAA 2012 and provide the government adequate time to establish necessary facilities to implement the GST system, the Committee recommends that the National Assembly should withdraw the GST Bill for now.
Most of the members shared the same concerns as the Committee and supported its recommendation to withdraw the Bill. Additional recommendations were suggested by the members for the need to amendment the Public Finance (Amendment) Act 2012 in order to formalize the commencement dates of such Bills and also clearly segregate and define money and financial Bills.
Deliberation on the Pay Revision (Amendment) & Supplementary Budget Bill
- March 10th, 2020
- 626 views
The House deliberated on the Pay Revision (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 followed by deliberation on the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill Financial Year 2019- 2020.
The Pay Revision (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 was deliberated in the National Council today. The Social & Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) was assigned to review the Bill.
Presentation of the Goods and Services Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020
- March 10th, 2020
- 652 views
In the 23rd Sitting, the Honโble Finance Minister Lyonpo Namgay Tshering introduced the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill Financial Year 2019 โ 2020, the Pay Revision (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020, and the Goods and Services Tax Bill 2020 to the House today.
- Presentation of the Goods and Services Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020
- Presentation of the Pay Revision (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020
- Presentation of the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill for the Financial Year 2019-2020
Deliberation on the FI (Amendment) and Property Tax Bill 2020
- March 10th, 2020
- 607 views
- Deliberation on the Fiscal Incentives (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020.
- Deliberation on the Property Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020.
- Adoption of the Impeachment Procedure of Bhutan 2019.
- Adoption of the Minister and Minister Equivalent Post Holder’s Entitlement Bill 2019
House Adopts the Fiscal Incentives (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 and deliberates on the Property Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020
Recommendation on Impeachment Procedure of Bhutan 2019 and the Minister and Minister Equivalent Post Holderโs Entitlement Bill 2019.
The Legislative Committee (LC) and the Natural Resources and Environment Committee (NREC) proposed to consider the recommendation to discuss the issues related to the rejection of the two private members Bills between the Chairpersons of the National Council and the Speaker of the National Assembly before final adoption of the bills by the House. The recommendation was proposed to set a clear procedural between the two Houses of the Parliament in rejecting a Private Members Bill during the first reading by the National Assembly.
Introduction of the Fiscal Incentives (Amendment) Bill & Property Tax Bill 2020
- March 10th, 2020
- 663 views
Introduction of the Fiscal Incentives (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 and the Property Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020.
Honโble Finance Minister Namgay Tshering introduced the Property Tax Bill of Bhutan 2020 and the Fiscal Incentives (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 to the House today.
The Honโble Minister said that the Property Tax Bill covers the properties of land, house and motor vehicles. He informed the House that the property transfer tax for land and house will be reduced to 3 percent and motor vehicles to 1 percent.
Adoption of the CCPC (Amendment) Bill and PCB (Amendment) Bill 2019
- March 10th, 2020
- 647 views
Today, the House unanimously adopted the Civil and Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019 and the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019. The Bills shall be forwarded to the National Assembly with the recommendations of the House for re-deliberation.
Interim Review Report on the RNR Marketing Policy Review by NREC
- March 10th, 2020
- 635 views
The members of the NREC presented the interim review report on the RNR Marketing Policy to the House. The final report will be submitted in the 25th session along with the Committeeโs observations and recommendations.
The NREC was assigned to review the buyback policy during the 14th plenary, the issue was given priority as one of the major concerns raised by the people were on the buyback policy during their constituency visit. In the process of reviewing the issues, the Committee then observed that there were issues related to marketing policy and its mechanism. Therefore the committee decided to review the whole RNR Marketing Policy to resolve the issues for a substantial outcome.
The House also adopted the Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan, 2020 with 17 โYESโ, 2 โNOโ and 2 โABSTAINโ votes by the members. The Bill shall be forwarded to the National Assembly for re-deliberation along with the amendments and recommendations adopted by the House.
Adoption of the Tax (Amendment) Bill 2020 and Deliberation on the Tourism Levy & Exemption Bill 202
- March 10th, 2020
- 619 views
17th Sitting: The House adopted the Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020. Subsequently, the House deliberated on the Tourism Levy & Exemption Bill of Bhutan 2020. The National Assembly amended, passed and forwarded the Bill to National Council on 4 February 2020 and it was introduced in the House by the Finance Minister on 5 February 2020.
In deliberating the Bill, Honโble Members expressed their support on the amendment in Section 7; Chapter 2 which states that โA regional leisure tourist shall be liable to pay concessional tourism levy of Nu. 1200 per night haltโ. Therefore, the House adopted the section. However, general concerns shared were related to the mushrooming of many hotels.
Presentation of the Tourism Levy Exemption (Amendment) Bill 2020 by Hon’ble Finance Minister
- March 10th, 2020
- 625 views
Today, the House deliberated on the Tax (Amendment) Bill 2020, adopted the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan followed by introduction of the Tourism Levy Exemption (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 by the Honโble Finance Minister.
Presentation of the Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 by Hon’ble Finance Ministerย
- March 10th, 2020
- 689 views
In the 15th sitting, the Finance Minister, Lyonpo Namgay Tshering introduced the Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020. Followed by, deliberation on the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan.
Introducing the Bill, the Minister informed that the Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020 is one among the six money bills passed by the National Assembly. The Bill was thoroughly reviewed by the Economic and Finance Committee of NA and deliberated in NA on 30 January, 2020. The NA made amendments and adopted the Bill on 31 January 2020.
Re-deliberation on Impeachment Procedure Bill 2019 and the Minister’s Entitlement Bill 2019
- March 10th, 2020
- 566 views
Re-deliberation on Impeachment Procedure Bill of Bhutan 2019 and the Minister and Minister Equivalent Post Holders Entitlement Bill of Bhutan 2019.
The House re-deliberated on the Impeachment Procedure Bill of Bhutan 2019. The Natural Resources & Environment Committee (NREC) presented the objections received from National Assembly (NA) with the submission of the Committeeโs observation.
The Legislative Committee of the National Assembly introduced the Bill in the ongoing Session on 16th January 2020, however, with the majority show of hand by the Members, decided not to deliberate the Bill. The National Council (NC) received the Bills on 21 January 2020 with the objections on the Bill. Upon receiving the Bill from the NA, the House directed the NREC to review the Bill for re-deliberations.
he Legislative Committee (LC) presented the objection received from National Assembly (NA) and submitted the Committeeโs proposal on the Minister and Minister Equivalent Post Holders Entitlement Bill of Bhutan 2019.
Highlighting the provision of the constitution under article 13(7) which states that โWhere the other House does not pass the Bill, that House shall return it to the House in which the Bill originated with amendments or objections for re-deliberation. If the Bill is then passed, it shall be presented to the Druk Gyalpo for Assent within fifteen days from the date of passing of such Billโ, Honโble Choning Dorji, Chairperson for the LC presented the objection received from the National Assembly.
Finance Minister introduces the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020
- March 10th, 2020
- 804 views
In the 13th sitting, the Honโble Finance Minister Lyonpo Namgay Tshering introduced the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2020. The Bill was adopted on 30th January, 2020 by the National Assembly and forwarded to the National Council. The House also continued with the deliberation on the recommendations made by the Economic Affairs Committee on the review report on the policies related to vehicle import.
Presentation on the GST by MoF
- March 10th, 2020
- 697 views
With an objective to understand and have a clear background on the intent of the reforms in the money bills, especially with the Good and Service Tax (GST) Bill of Bhutan 2020 the members of the National Council today had an in-depth discussion with the officials from the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
Presentation on the GST was carried out outlining the rationale, what GST means, GST cycle demonstration, how GST works, GST design proposed for Bhutan, administration, impacts and benefits of GST, ย and comparison of tax rates between pre- and post-GST.
Economic Affairs Committee Presents Review of Policies related to Vehicle Imports
- March 10th, 2020
- 595 views
In the 11th sitting the Economic Affairs Committee presented the Review of Policies related to Vehicle Imports, Issues, Consequences & Recommendations.
Continue deliberation on the Lhengye Zhungtshog Bill & other
- March 10th, 2020
- 609 views
9th Sitting: The House continues with the deliberation on the Lhengye Zhungtshog Bill of Kingdom of Bhutan 2020, and Introduction & deliberation on the Entitlement and Service Conditions (Amendment) Bill for the Holders, Members and Commissioners of Constitutional Offices of Bhutan 2020.
Continue deliberation on the Lhengye Zhungtshog Bill 2020
- March 10th, 2020
- 602 views
In the 8th sitting, the House resumed with the deliberation on the Lhengye Zhungtshog Bill of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2020.
Extensively deliberating on the power, functions and responsibilities of the Lhengye Zhungtshog and in particular its power to institute, oversee or dissolve the Committee of Secretaries, the House assigned the Committee to further discuss the provisions taking into consideration the views of the members who raised their concerns and prepare for the final adoption.
Introduction of the Lhengye Zhungtshog Bill 2020
- March 10th, 2020
- 849 views
The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) of the House introduced the Lhengye Zhungtshog Bill 2020 today.
The committee stated that most of the provisions of the existing Lhengye Zhungtshog Act (1999) were found to be conflicting with the Constitution as the former was enacted prior to the Constitution. Moreover, the National Law Review Taskforce, 2018, also found the Act redundant and recommended for repeal. Hence the Committee was assigned to review and repeal Act by the House during its 11th Plenary Session.
Introduction of CCPC (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019
- March 10th, 2020
- 645 views
In the 5th Sitting, the Legislative Committee introduced the Civil and Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019. The Bill was tabled on 29th May 2019 and passed on June 6, 2019 during the Third Session of the Parliament. The Legislative Committee of the House was assigned to review and prepare for the deliberation on the Bill. In total, there are 215 sections and 44 Chapters in the original Act (2001).
Deliberation on Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019 continues
- March 10th, 2020
- 635 views
Today, the House resumed the deliberation on the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019. The House agreed with most of the recommendations proposed by the Legislative Committee while some were assigned to the Committee for re-deliberation. The House directed all the concerned members who have raised their issues during the session to re-deliberate on the sections in the committee meeting.
Deliberation on Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019
- March 10th, 2020
- 665 views
The Legislative Committee of National Council of Bhutan introduced the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019 today. The Bill was tabled on 29th May 2019 and passed on June 10, 2019 during the Third Session of the Parliament. The Legislative Committee of the House was assigned to review and prepare for the deliberation on the Bill.
National Council deliberates on follow-up reports
- March 10th, 2020
- 607 views
The second sitting of the House resumed with the deliberation on the follow-up reports of the recommendations of the 23rd Session of the National Council.
The House, during the 23rd Session, passed a series of recommendations on issues concerning the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Reducing Harmful use of Alcohol, Fronting Issues, the Annual ACC Report 2018, and issue related to the governmentโs decision to remove Class X cut-off point.
Opening Ceremony of the 24th Session of the National Council
- March 10th, 2020
- 625 views
His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony of the third session of parliament in the morning.
Later in the afternoon, the National Council carried out the 24th session of the National Council of Bhutan with the offering of Marchang, followed by the opening address by the Honโble Chairperson.
Advanced Media Literacy Workshop
- December 20th, 2019
- 806 views
Attending the 3-days workshop on advanced media literacy held from 18-20th December, 2019 at Namgay Heritage Hotel, Thimphu. It was Organized by the Bhutan Media Foundation with the support of HELVETAS Bhutan and European Union.
In the world of the digital era, technology has made it easy for anyone to create media. Consequently, media literacy is a crucial skill all media consumers must have in order to be able to interpret and analyze media information.
I truly appreciated the insightful training organized by the Bhutan Media Foundation. It was very inspirational, energizing, bringing scores of ideas, with both substantial and in-depth knowledge together with case studies.
The 19th Asian Pacific Parliamentariansโ Conference on Environment and Development
- December 10th, 2019
- 881 views
Attending the 19th Asian Pacific Parliamentariansโ Conference on Environment and Development held inSeoul, Republic of Korea from December 10-12,2019.
The Asia Pacific Parliamentariansโ Conference on Environment and Development (APPCED) was established in 1993 by the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea for the purpose of forming a forum for parliamentarians of the Asian Pacific region with a common concern for environmental and developmental issues. It has 46 member countries and supports mutual efforts among governments through policy development as well as collaboration at the parliamentary level.
Attended the 4th Edition of the Royal Highland Festival at Laya
- November 27th, 2019
- 714 views
Attended the 4th Edition of the Royal Highland Festival at Laya accompanied with Honorable Prime Minister of Bhutan from 23-25th October, 2019.
Attending the 9th DT of Gasa District
- November 27th, 2019
- 658 views
Local governments are closest to the people, which serves the people best.
Attending the 9th DT of Gasa District today as observer considering the importance of LG and to understand the grassroots issues.
12th NREC Meeting
- July 30th, 2019
- 845 views
Committee meets today to develop methodology flow chart for the review of buyback policy and timetable for field visit and other committee programs.
Social Policy Training
- July 16th, 2019
- 864 views
This program aims to provide the participants with the knowledge and understanding of the value of the social policy.
The 10-day training program was organized by Royal University of Bhutan with full financial support provided by the UNICEF Bhutan.
The training will be primarily resourced by faculty members from Sherubtse College, National & International Experts and attended by professionals who were engaged in policy-related work in various organizations.
NC Visits PHPAs
- July 11th, 2019
- 860 views
National Council visits the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project Authorities (PHPAs).
Fifteen members and the secretariat staffs led by the Hon. Chairperson visited the PHPA on 9-10 July 2019. The visit was carried out with the objective to understand the ground realities and update the members on the over-all conditions of the PHPAs.
Presentations were made during the visit highlighting the mandates, objective, project organizational set-up, challenges faced and way forward of the projects. It was also underscored that series of site visits by the consultants/experts, convening of various technical group and technical coordination committee meetings were held to resolve challenges and finalize the way forward.
11th NREC Meeting
- July 10th, 2019
- 810 views
As the Committee was assigned with one legislative issue and one policy issue by the House during the internal workshop held on 2nd July 2019, the Committee convened to discuss and plan the way forwards for the issues.ย
Closing Ceremony of the 2nd Session of the Third Parliament
- June 29th, 2019
- 801 views
His Majesty The King graced the Closing Ceremony of the 2nd Session of the Third Parliament.
Presentation of the Performance Audit Report by Public Accounts Committee
- June 22nd, 2019
- 850 views
- Performance audit report on preparedness of implementation of sustainable development goals
- Audit report on the revenue collection and management in Thromdes
- Audit report on Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Performance audit report on in-country travel
- Review report on the implementation status of the 11th session resolution
- Performance audit report on provision of drinking water in Thimphu Thromde
- Performance audit report on delivery of OPD services at Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital
Adoptions
- June 22nd, 2019
- 950 views
- Adoption of amendments and recommendations on Budget and Appropriation Bill 2019-2020
- Adoption of Impeachment Procedure Bill of Bhutan
- Adoption of Minister and Minister Equivalent Post Holderโs Entitlement Bill of Bhutan
- Adoption of recommendations on issues related to TVET
- Adoption of recommendations on issues related to Harmful Use of Alcohol
- Adoption of recommendations on issues related to Fronting
- Adoption of recommendations on Annual Anti-Corruption Report 2018
Continue discussion on Budget and Appropriation Bill
- June 22nd, 2019
- 780 views
Continue discussion on Budget and Appropriation Bill 2019-2020.
Presentation of Budget and Appropriation Bill 2019-2020
- June 22nd, 2019
- 772 views
The 18th sitting began with the Finance Minister, Hon. Namgay Tshering presenting the National Budget and Appropriation Bill 2019-2020 and Supplementary Budget & Appropriation Bill for FY 2018-19 as approved by the National Assembly on 14th June 2019. Fifteen Hon. Members raised questions to the Minister on the Bill.
Adoption of amendments and recommendations on Pay Revision Bill
- June 22nd, 2019
- 813 views
Adoption of amendments and recommendations on Pay Revision Bill of Bhutan 2019.
Deliberation on Recommendations
- June 14th, 2019
- 737 views
16th Sitting; Deliberation on Recommendations of the Ad-hoc Committee on Pay Revision Bill of Bhutan 2019
The House deliberated on the recommendations of the Ad-hoc Committee on Pay Revision Bill of Bhutan 2019. The members shared their views on some of the sections and sought clarification from the Committee.
Pay Revision Report 2019
- June 12th, 2019
- 897 views
The 15th sitting convened with the introduction of the Pay Revision Report by the Minister for Finance. Thirteen members of the National Council raised 27 questions related to pay revision.
Review Report on Fronting
- June 8th, 2019
- 1,320 views
The Economic Affairs Committee (EAC) presented the review report on fronting: issues, consequences and recommendations.
The members of the committee detailed-out the review report which included background, introduction, motives for fronting, the difference between FDI and fronting, measures taken to curb fronting, limitations and weaknesses of government actions, risks and impacts of continued fronting and committee recommendations.
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