Following the Question Hour Session for Ministries under Group B, the House deliberated on petitions submitted by Local Governments and Members.

The Member from Bongo-Chapcha constituency submitted a petition forwarded by Chukha Dzongkhag Tshogdu to consider increasing the number of permissible storeys in Dzongkhag Yenlag Throms from two to five, based on population size, to promote equitable development and enhance community livelihoods. 

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport stated that this has become an issue in almost all Dzongkhags. Although all Yenlag Throms have been identified, the matter is currently on hold following an order from the Supreme Court. However, the Ministry has been working with the High-Level Committee to explore strategies and find a way forward, and a decision is expected soon. Regarding the proposal to increase the number of storeys, the Ministry is planning to form a team of experts and specialists who will visit the Dzongkhags, consult relevant stakeholders such as Dzongdags and local communities, and assess the possibilities to formulate appropriate  solutions.

Following the deliberations, the House advised the Ministry that the guidelines should be developed based on the unique landscape and location of each area, rather than applying a general guideline. The House also noted that proper planning for each Throm needs to be carried out by the Ministry. The House assigned the Environment and Climate Change Committee to review the matter and submit the report during the winter session to the House.

The Member from Lamgong-Wangchang constituency submitted a petition highlighting the disparity between land taxation and loan valuation. He pointed out that while land tax is paid equally based on the PAVA (Property Assessment and Valuation Agency) rate, financial institutions provide loans based on their own valuation system set by the Financial Institutions Association of Bhutan (FIAB). As a result, the loan amount differs from one land to another, leading to unequal access to credit. He therefore submitted that the House consider the matter to resolve the issues faced by the people. 

Many of the Members supported and acknowledged the difficulties faced by the people in availing loans due to the difference in valuation carried out by the financial institutions. The House, acknowledging the issue, directed the Economic and Finance Committee to review the matter and submit a report to the winter session of the Parliament. 

The Member from Khamdang-Ramjar constituency submitted a petition calling for a special support system for people residing in border areas, citing their unique socio-economic vulnerabilities.  Members also supported the petition considering the difficulties faced by the people living in the areas. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade also supported the petition and pointed out that people living in the areas face difficulties such as lack of access to school, health facilities and the lack of support in farming machineries. The Minister proposed that the Committee be directed to carry out a thorough research on the matter and make necessary recommendations to the government. 

The House, acknowledging the issue, directed the Good Governance Committee to review the matter and submit a report to the winter session of the Parliament.