The Member from Dewathang-Gomdar constituency Hon’ble Ugyen Dorji moved the motion for exemption of the requirement of structural drawings prepared by engineers for reinforced cement concrete buildings in rural areas. The motion was seconded by the Member from the Jomotshangkha-Martshala constituency.

According to the Member, the requirement to submit structural drawings prepared by a certified architect/engineer as outlined in section 46 of the Bhutan Building Regulation 2018 has imposed significant challenges for people in rural areas and for low income people specially. The member had further stated that this constraint has led to numerous difficulties in the construction of private houses hindering the well-being and development of rural communities. Therefore, he submitted that it:

1. The requirement of Structural drawings for rural house construction, as stipulated in section 46 of the Bhutan Building Regulation 2018, should be annulled; OR

2. The government shall provide model drawings to the people free of cost to facilitate rural house construction.

During the course of deliberation, while there was expression of full support to the second alternative motion, the House was divided in their support of the first motion. Many Members expressed a need for modification of the motion. The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport submitted that the Bhutan Building Regulation prioritizes the safety of the people and wasn’t intended to cause challenges. He further submitted that structural drawings are required only for building modern style buildings not the traditional style buildings. The Minister also reported that the Bhutan Building Regulation 2018 is undergoing a review in which exemptions including the non-requirement of structural drawings for one storied buildings are included and will soon be implemented.

On providing model drawings to the people, the upcoming plan to make 5-10 model drawings to each dzongkhags based on their location to facilitate the house construction was also reported to the House by the Minister.

After a lengthy deliberation, the motion was modified as “The construction of one storied building will not require the structural drawings and for two storied and above buildings, the government shall provide model drawings to the people free of cost.”

The House endorsed the motion with majority show of hands.

The House also directed the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to provide these services online including the sample drawings with necessary details and to enhance the services support and monitoring efforts.