In today's Question Hour Session, the Ministers in Group C were asked  a total of seven questions - six for oral responses and one for a written response. Four questions were asked to the Finance Minister and one each to the Minister for Home Affairs, and the Foreign Minister. Additionally, one question for a written response was submitted to the Minister for Home Affairs.

The Finance Minister was asked for an update on the status of research and the expected timeline or decision with regard to the pledge to increase rural life insurance benefit from Nu.30,000 to Nu.150,000, the status of funds obtained from GoI and other development partners for the 13th FYP, including the amounts received under PTA, SDP, and other grants, and the number of projects approved so far. He was also questioned why Haa Dzongkhag was not entitled to the 90% tax rebate for high-altitude areas as stipulated in the Land Act 2007 and for an update on the government's pledge to raise the Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgage ratio to 95% and reduction of  interest rates, as well as increment of  the Debt-to-Equity ratio for vehicle purchases, including the timeline for implementing these changes.

The Minister for Finance on the rural life insurance amount from Nu.30,000 to Nu.150,000 explained that issues were being resolved in collaboration with Financial Institutions, with amendments to the Financial Services Act. While the government committed to fulfilling its pledge, no specific commencement date was provided, although work had already begun. The government intends to provide a subsidy, requiring citizens to pay Nu. 87, with the remainder covered by the government.

Regarding the status of PTA and SDP grants from the Government of India, the Minister for Finance clarified that the capital fund support is Nu.40 billion, not Nu.90 billion. He informed  the House that under the 13th FYP, Nu.1,796.46 million of the PTA budget has been received, with 61 projects approved under the first tranche totaling Nu.49,578.75 million. For the program grant, Nu.5 billion is allocated, with Nu.250 million disbursed quarterly. While SDP funding has faced delays, 20.56% of its budget has been received so far.

With regard to the land tax rebate in Haa Dzongkhag, the Minister for Finance explained that only three Chiwogs - Nakha, Trashigang, and Shaba meet the criteria for the rebate. However, the Minister suggested that the Member consult with the Dzongkhag and submit a request to the Ministry for reconsideration. 

The Minister for Home Affairs was questioned about Bhutan's preparedness for earthquakes, given the country's vulnerability to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and forest fires and the measures in place under the Disaster Management Act of 2013.

In response, the Minister for Home Affairs acknowledged Bhutan's vulnerability to natural disasters but credited collective efforts under visionary leadership for managing disasters in the past. The Minister informed that the Dechencholing flashflood provided valuable experience in managing unpredictable disasters. The Ministry informed that the Ministry has established the National Disaster Authority (NDA) and the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC). The Ministry has also developed contingency plans, which will soon be presented to the Lhengye Zhungthog.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade was questioned about the challenges faced by Bhutanese travelers plying through the Indian highway from Phuentsholing to Nganglam and Samdrupjongkhar. These included high toll fees for heavy vehicles, extra charges for cash payments, and issues with the FAS TAG system. The question sought to understand the government's short and long-term plans to address and resolve these issues.

In response, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade stated that the Ministry is working to resolve these issues by engaging with relevant personnel and presenting them to the Indian Government through diplomatic channels. Regarding the FAS TAG system, the government is closely collaborating with the Indian Government (National Highway Authority) to register vehicles under the FAS TAG system by submitting a list of vehicles for registration.