Workshop on Public Hearing for Members of the National Assembly of Bhutan
A three-day Workshop on Public Hearing was held for the Members of National Assembly from 17-19 July 2024 in Paro. The Speaker in the opening address of the workshop emphasized the importance of Public Hearing as an oversight tool to ensure transparency in the legislative process. He said that the workshop was timely for the newly elected members. He also informed that the Parliament has plans to conduct at least 10 Public Hearing in the 13 FYP.
The Workshop aimed to enhance oversight of government actions and spending, effectively scrutinize legislative proposals, and improve public engagement with the Parliament through public hearings. It covered areas such as public engagement with parliaments, international practices, common features of public hearings, and case studies. The workshop also focused on current public/stakeholder engagement processes particularly referencing the First Public Hearing held in 2020 on the Mines and Minerals Bill 2020 by the National Assembly of the Third Parliament, and discussed the benefits and barriers of holding public hearings in Bhutan. Participants learned about preparing for public hearings, evidence gathering, and weighing evidence, as well as to report recommendations, legislative amendments, and follow-up actions. Practical application was emphasized through a mock session to practice the skills acquired.
A two-day workshop for the parliamentary staff was also held from 15-16 July on their roles and responsibilities to support the Committees in conducting the Public Hearing.
The workshop was facilitated by the Center for Local Governance and Research with support from the European Union to Project Nyamdrel II: Support to Parliament of Bhutan and CSOs, implemented by the International IDEA.
