The Cattle Tax Exemption Bill of Bhutan, 2024, and the Parliamentary Entitlements (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan, 2024 was tabled in the House today for First and Second Reading as per the business order. 

However, the Member In-charge of the Bill, the Finance Minister, moved the motion to withdraw the Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan, 2024 citing the need for more time for system development and further review of the existing Act. The House voted on the motion and was approved by majority through a show of hands. 

The Finance Minister introduced the The Cattle Tax Exemption Bill of Bhutan, 2024 for the First Reading. The Bill proposes for exemption of imposition of cattle tax which ranges from Nu. 1-10 per cattle. The exemption aims to encourage investment in cattle rearing eventually supporting the livelihoods of rural communities and promoting economic growth. The Finance Minster said that the exemption was proposed considering that while the revenue from the tax to the local government was minimal it was a challenge for the farmers. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the government's objectives of enhancing agricultural development and improving food security in Bhutan. 

The House accepted the Bill and referred it to the Economic and Finance Committee for its thorough review with a directive to submit its review report to the House for Third Reading on 25 November 2024. 

The Chairperson of the Legislative Committee, Member In-charge of the Parliamentary Entitlements (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan, 2024 introduced the Bill for First and Second Reading. The Chairperson submitted that the amendments were proposed considering the existing inconsistencies of the Act with the Pay Structure Reform Act of Bhutan 2022 and the Pay Revision Act of Bhutan 2023.

The proposed amendments are made to provide clarity and streamline the entitlements for Members of Parliament, enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of parliamentary processes. This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to uphold democratic principles and transparency, ultimately reinforcing public trust in the legislative body and supporting members in their constitutional duties. 

The House accepted the Bill and referred it to the Legislative Committee (LC) for its further review with a directive to submit its review report to the House for Third Reading on 26 November 2024.