๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ค๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง
The Prime Minster Minister and the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) presented the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the resolutions of the First Session on the review of RCSCโs MaX System and the inconvenience caused by Electric Wires and Poles Falling in Farmland, respectively.
๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฆ
The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the civil service's performance management framework, emphasizing the need for a more supportive and motivating environment.
Addressing concerns raised by the Good Governance Committee about high attrition rates linked to the MaX system, he assured the House of the governmentโs commitment to reviewing the system in consultation with the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC). He stressed the importance of aligning the system with best practices to foster a culture of excellence without the burden of forced rankings. However, the Prime Minister noted that the RCSC, as an independent constitutional body, holds the authority to review the system, with National Assembly resolutions serving as recommendations only.
The RCSCโs report concludes that the GGCโs research data indicates no direct correlation between attrition and the MaX system, with primary exit reasons being further education, family issues, or better opportunities. Globally, performance management systems like the MaX are critical but often controversial. Bhutanโs MaX system, aligned with His Majesty's vision for civil service transformation, aims to align individual performance with organizational goals. While younger civil servants show adaptability, senior employees often resist change. Despite criticism of the bell curve, it addresses inflated performance ratings and ensures differentiation. Continuous discussions aim to refine the system, balancing accountability with civil servants' morale and motivation.
During the deliberations, members raised concerns about the adverse effects of forced rankings, particularly the mandatory โneeds improvementโ or โpartially meeting expectationโ category under the bell curve. The Members argued that this practice has led to delays in promotions, heightened attrition rates, and conflicts within the civil service. Many members emphasized the importance of recognizing human values and fostering a supportive work environment in the civil service. The Chairperson of the Good Governance Committee clarified that the motion adopted by the House was to remove the forced ranking component and not the entire MaX system as a whole, as this specific practice has caused substantial dissatisfaction among civil servants.
Some members raised questions about the RCSCโs accountability, asserting that, as a constitutional body, it should also be answerable to the executive and the Prime Minister. Others highlighted constitutional provisions safeguarding the RCSCโs autonomy in financial and operational matters, emphasizing that neither the government nor Parliament could unilaterally alter the MaX system. The Prime Minister pointed out that the MaX system, implemented in full only three years ago, has features that could benefit the civil service if further refined.
The discussions also highlighted a gap in grievance redressal mechanisms for civil servants, with MPs strongly advocating for the establishment of an independent tribunal to address workplace issues. This proposal garnered broad support in the House.
After lengthy deliberations, the House did not accept the report, with only 18 out of the 46 Members present raising their hands in support. The motion adopted by the House remains open for further follow-up in the next session as per Section 103 of the Rules of Procedures of the National Assembly of Bhutan, 2022, which stipulates: If resolutions of the motion are not implemented by the end of next session, it shall be continued in the following sessions unless the Parliamentary tenure ends.
๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ค๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐
๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐
๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ
The Minister for Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) reported on the motion adopted by the First Session on the inconvenience caused by Electric Wires and Poles Falling in Farmlands. Highlighting the challenges faced by residents, the Minister noted that these poles have obstructed access and posed safety risks since their installation.
The Minister explained that such issues arise because the public often approaches the ministry after they have already constructed their houses. Regarding the removal of electric poles, the Minister noted that removing around 300 poles in a small area would cost approximately 90 million. For smaller and more congested areas, the ministry plans to install guard wires, which are part of their ongoing plans. The Minister for the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) further stated that, when presenting the report in the next summer session, it will include a review of land replacement, shifting, and compensation.
After a lengthy deliberation, the House acknowledged the report, with the majority raising their hands in acceptance of the way forward tabled to the House. The House directed the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to pursue further action and present an updated report to the House in the next summer session.
