On 28 May 2025, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, and the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport presented the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the resolutions adopted during the First and Second Sessions of the National Assembly. The reports addressed the Royal Civil Service Commission’s (RCSC) MaX System and Forced Ranking methodology, the impact of transmission and distribution lines on private land, and procurement-related challenges faced by Bhutanese contractors and suppliers, respectively.

Review of the RCSC’s MaX System and Forced Ranking Methodology

The Prime Minister presented the ATR related to the RCSC’s MaX System and its Forced Ranking methodology. In his report, he reiterated the RCSC’s position, highlighting its constitutional mandate to ensure a high-performing and professional civil service.

Following extensive deliberations, the House acknowledged the RCSC’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to reform the civil service. Taking into consideration both the progress made and the short timeframe of six months for follow-up actions, the House directed the Good Governance Committee to conduct a further review of the resolution and the Action Taken Report. The Committee is to present its findings and recommendations during the Fifth Session of the National Assembly.

Review of Issues Faced by Bhutanese Contractors and Suppliers Due to the Procurement Rules and Regulations 2023 and Standard Bidding Documents 2023

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the motion submitted by the Member from Lamgong-Wangchang and the 10 recommendations endorsed during the Second Session of the Fourth Parliament regarding challenges arising from the Procurement Rules and Regulations 2023 and the Standard Bidding Documents 2023.

The Minister informed the House that procurement reforms were initiated in September 2024. Comprehensive consultations were held with stakeholders including Ministries, Dzongkhags, Thromdes, oversight agencies, and the Construction Association of Bhutan. A multi-sectoral task force was formed to revise the PRR 2023 and SBD 2023, with implementation scheduled for July 2025.

The House acknowledged the report and directed the Ministry to further consider the recommendations submitted during the session.

Action Taken Report on Inconvenience Caused by Electric Wires and Poles in Farmlands

The Minister for Energy and Natural Resources presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the resolution concerning the inconvenience caused by electric wires and poles in farmlands.

In the report, the Minister highlighted key challenges, including:

• High relocation costs (Nu. 15,133 million for transmission lines and Nu. 7,204 million for distribution systems).

• Risks of power disruption during relocation.

• Need for statutory clearances and significant resources for implementation.

The Minister also outlined the following measures:

• Conduct of detailed physical surveys to assess the impact.

• Cost and feasibility review of line-shifting.

• Exploration of land substitution as a remedy for affected transmission lines.

• Drafting of new Right of Way (RoW) regulations.

• Preparation of a comprehensive report with final recommendations upon completion of assessments.

However, Members expressed dissatisfaction with the report, stating that it lacked concrete actions and failed to address the concerns raised by affected farmers. They called for greater accountability and urged the government to either provide compensation or take corrective measures to resolve the issue.

The House directed the Social and Cultural Committee to follow up with the Ministry and present a report in the Winter Session.