Dorji Khandu

Journal of a Young Parliamentarian

Lunana to get electricity by 2023

December 12th, 2020

December 10, 2020 The construction of the 500kW mini-hydro power plant in Lunana would start next year, according to Economic Affairs Minister Loknath Sharma. Lyonpo informed this while responding to a question from the Gasa Member of Parliament (MP) Dorji Khandu during the question hour in the National Assembly....


Should Laya Run be only for highlanders?

November 13th, 2019

Laya Run, considered one of the most scenic high-altitude run in the world, has become a crucial part of the Royal Highland Festival. But the run’s popularity among the highlanders has been decreasing. This year, only two Layaps participated in the run. Choki, a lone female participant from highland...


The Royal Highland Festival benefits locals

November 13th, 2019

Oct 28, 2019 In its fourth year, the Royal Highland Festival has come as a boon for the people of Laya Gewog in Gasa. Locals say the annual festival has contributed significantly to boosting the community’s socio-economic conditions.  Otherwise a quiet village, Laya turns into a hub of celebration...


Lunana connected with 3G services

March 22nd, 2019

Mar 20, 2019 The third generation mobile network (3G) has finally reached Lunana, one of the most remote gewogs in the country. At mid-day on 16th March, Bhutan Telecom successfully launched the 3G network, which will benefit six villages in Lunana Gewog of Gasa. Otherwise difficult with a 2G network,...


Development works in new Gasa township begins

September 24th, 2018

Sep 14, 2018 The development works at the new Gasa town in Kolikha located about a kilometre away from the dzong has begun.  “We have completed the construction of a waste disposal site and also carried out a feasibility and preliminary survey of an alternative water source at Samjaynachhu because...


Part 2: The epic Laya Run

September 5th, 2018

September 1, 2018 The Pioneering First Laya Run Two years ago, without hesitation and any prior training for high altitude racing, I signed up for the first Laya Run. This would be my second memorable trip to the majestic hidden land of Laya after four years, and just as...


Part 1: Return to an awe-inspiring hidden land: The Royal Highland Festival

August 28th, 2018

August 25, 2018 The Roof of Bhutan: the Majestic Hidden Land of Laya Laya, nestled high in the mountains at nearly 4,000 metres, is arguably one of Bhutan’s most stunning and culturally preserved places. Surrounded by euphoric views of mountains towering more than 6,000 metres above sea level, including...


His Majesty The King graces consecration of Palden Lhamoi Lhakhang in Lunana

August 20th, 2018

Jul 14, 2018 His Majesty The King graced the consecration of a Palden Lhamoi Lhakhang in Tenchoe village during the recent Royal Visit to Lunana. The consecration of the newly restored lhakhang, held on the 6th of July, was presided over by the Dorji Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang. The...


NC ratifies Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement

June 22nd, 2018

June 22, 2018 The National Assembly had earlier endorsed and forwarded the Agreement to National Council. The upper house today ratified the Double Taxation Agreement between Bhutan and Bangladesh. Presenting the agreement to the house, the Finance Minister, Namgay Dorji said by ratifying the agreement, it would strengthen trade...


Council members pitch for ACC’s financial security

June 22nd, 2018

June 22, 2018 Deliberation on the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) annual report 2017 in the National Council (NC) yesterday saw the good governance committee proposing the house to pay special attention to the commission’s budgetary constraints. This means that the house of review would provide necessary support and recommendations during...


Joint session endorses Audit Bill with landslide vote

June 20th, 2018

June 20, 2018 The joint sitting of the Parliament adopted the Audit Bill 2017 yesterday. The joint committee with 12 members from the two houses submitted their recommendations for the 17 disputed clauses of the Bill. The Speaker submitted the Bill to His Majesty The King as a disputed...


NC members dissatisfied with govt.’s lack of response to its resolution

June 19th, 2018

June 19, 2018 The National Council (NC) members raised questions on the government’s respect for the house after the deputy chairperson, Samdrupjongkhar NC member Jigme Wangchuk submitted that the government did not respond to the 20th session’s resolution on providing legal aid to indigent persons. While some members of...


Laya to receive 3G by October

June 11th, 2018

  April 30, 2018. Mobile network made its way into Laya in 2010, five years before electricity did. The highland community is now only months away from getting 3G service.   The service is expected to be introduced by October this year. Teachers at Laya Lower Secondary School believe...