The First Question Hour of the Third Session of the Fourth Parliament was conducted today. A total of seven questions were tabled, six for oral responses and one for written response, directed to Ministers under Group A Ministries. Three questions were directed to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), two questions to the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), one question to the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), and one question for written response to the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR).

The Member from Nganglam constituency questioned the Minister for MoIT on the rationale behind selecting Samrang and Yoeseltse as domestic airstrip sites, citing concerns over remoteness and economic viability. He asked whether there were local consultations and if a second-phase survey was planned. The Member from Khamdang-Ramjar་Constituency also questioned the Minister on the need for a reliable airstrip to promote tourism in Eastern Bhutan. In response, the MoIT Minister explained that the locations were selected based on topography, favorable weather, availability of land, and absence of mountainous obstacles. He confirmed that technical evaluations were conducted with relevant agencies and that final verification is underway following the Lhengye Zhungtshog's directive. The Minister also agreed that a cost benefit analysis was not carried out yet. The Minister added that while Ponchula was found not feasible, Yonphula Airport is under review for possible expansion. The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s continued subsidy support for air transport and encouraged sustained investment in infrastructure despite limited financial returns.

The Member from Sergithang-Tsirangtoed constituency raised concerns about the welfare and safety of national workforce and Thromde wage staff, emphasizing their role in maintaining roads and urban cleanliness. The MoIT Minister responded that under the Performance-Based Management System (PBMS), worker benefits have improved: salaries have been increased, additional leave days provided, transportation facilities, insurance coverage, and access to health services are now provided.

The Member from Nyishog-Saephu questioned the MoENR Minister on the status and functionality of EV charging stations, noting that non-operational facilities hinder EV adoption. The MoENR Minister acknowledged the issues and outlined plans to improve and maintain EV infrastructure in support of the country’s green transport goals. The MoENR Minister added that electric vehicles were introduced to reduce pollution and fuel imports. To date, 714 EVs have been imported and 75 charging stations installed, of which 4 are non-functional. He acknowledged the lack of a designated body for maintenance and shared that the Lhengye Zhungtshog has now assigned MoENR and Bhutan Power Corporation to oversee maintenance, and the Ministry of Finance to provide financial support. Plans have been made to ensure nationwide coverage of charging infrastructure.

The Member from Kengkhar-Werringla sought an update on the 2,800 MW Kuri-Gongri Project, a national priority in the 13th FYP. The MoENR Minister shared that Bhutan aims to generate 25,000 MW of energy by 2040, of which 20,000 MW would come from hydropower. The DPR for Kuri-Gongri is complete, and while funding remains a constraint, efforts are underway to explore potential investors like TATA.

The Member from Gangzur-Minjey questioned the MoICE Minister on the exclusion of small and mid-sized hotels from the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) loan scheme, despite ongoing challenges post-COVID and tourism policy changes. The MoICE Minister explained  the government provided support in terms of  skill upgradation, promotion support, airfare subsidies, and recruitment incentives under YELP. He added that stakeholder consultations are ongoing to explore additional post-loan-deferment support measures.