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National Assembly  Holds Plenary to Addresses Key Issues

National Assembly Holds Plenary to Addresses Key Issues

On 29 August 2024, the National Assembly convened a crucial post-session plenary meeting at Lhen-Zom Khangzang, chaired by the Hon’ble Speaker. The meeting provided a platform for updates on the progress and future plans of various standing committees, shedding light on pressing national issues and paving the way for new public hearings.

The Deputy Speaker, in his role as Chairperson of the House Committee, presented the recomposition and downsizing of committee members, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the Assembly's operational efficiency. Reports and future work plans were presented by the Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of the Social and Cultural Committee, Legislative Committee, Environment and Climate Change Committee, and the Women and Children Committee. Members of Parliament also discussed about the concerns raised by their constituencies, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and addressed at the highest level.

The plenary addressed several critical topics, reflecting the concerns of Bhutanese citizens. 

  • Support for Private Sector Development: The need for robust support systems for private sector growth.

  • Intake of Class XII students:  Issues concerning the intake of students by the RUB which currently stands at 20 %  leaving out the 80% and issues faced by the Arts students.   

  • Efficient Public Service Delivery: Better access and efficiency in public services delivery, with citizens often facing difficulties in dealing with relevant /officials/departments.

  • Women in Politics: A call for more studies and initiatives to increase women's participation in politics.

  • Agricultural Marketing Spaces: The lack of designated marketplaces for local farmers was highlighted, stressing the need for a designated area to promote local farm produce and encourage Bhutanese farmers.

  • High Vehicle Taxes: A discussion on the impact of high vehicle taxes on citizens.

  • Need for Specialists in Mongar Hospital: The shortage of healthcare specialists in regional hospitals.

  • Tourism in the Eastern Region: Importance of developing tourism in Bhutan's eastern region.

To promote greater transparency and citizen engagement, the Assembly has decided to hold two public hearings. The first hearing will address the issue of increasing the enrollment of Arts students at the Royal University of Bhutan, with a proposal to raise the intake from 20% to 80%. This change is in response to the rising demand for more varied educational opportunities for young Bhutanese. The topic for the second hearing will be determined by the House Committee. The Plenary also assigned the Women, Children, and Youth Committee (WCYC) to conduct a workshop to examine women's participation in politics.

The plenary also directed the Good Governance Committee, with assistance from the Research and Hansard Department (RHD), to investigate the efficiency of Public Service Delivery (PSD). This initiative seeks to address ongoing challenges citizens face in accessing essential services. Additionally, the Environment and Climate Change Committee was tasked with evaluating the need for designated marketplaces for local farmers, which would support agricultural growth and sustainability.


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