A total of 7 Oral Questions and 1 written questions were tabled in the Question Hour today.  Two questions concerning the inclusion of renovation of the Monggar Dzong in the 13FYP and on creation of a new gewog under Drukjeygang-Tseza Constituency was directed towards the Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs. The Minister for Foreign Affairs was questions on the plans and means to encourage tourists to visit the eastern region and the rate of rape incidents. Three questions pertaining to increase in business license renewal fees of Kuenga Rabten restaurants in Trongsa  Dzongkhag, measures to curb increasing prices with the civil service pay structure reform and construction of establishing a power sub-station in  Panbang to resolve power shortages and frequent power outages in the Zhemgang  Dzongkhag was put to Minister of Economic Affairs.

In response, the Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs informed that the Ministry is currently   working on the 13th FYP and will consider the inclusion of the Monggar Dzong reconstruction based on budget and prioritization of activities.  On the creation of a new gewog under Drukjeygang-Tseza Constituency, the Minister acknowledged the need for a new gewog and informed that research work had been carried out, however he submitted that the Minister would require more time to further review the matter.   

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the promotion of tourism to the east, informed that the government is making all efforts to encourage tourists to visit the east. He said that with the opening of the Trans Bhutan Trail, plans for international airports at Gelephu and Monggar and opening of various entry points in the south, tourism is expected to improve in the eastern region. Further the Minister also encouraged individual Dzongkhags to also plan and initiate programs to attract tourists. With the fund of Euro 2.3 millions, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has initiated a Sustainable Hospitality Industry Inclusive of Nature Entrepreneurs (SHIINE) that would help to encourage tourism in seven Eastern Dzongkhags. Eight recreational and restrooms were also established along the highway in the Eastern Dzongkhags.  On the rate of rape incidents the Minsiter informed that although the incidents of rape has increased, it was mainly during the lock down period. The government is also making all efforts to spread awareness and informed the House that an anti-bullying campaign is to be started very soon in all the Dzongkhags.

The Minister for Economic Affairs responding to the questions, on increase in business license renewal fee, clarified that this was only related to business licenses related to restaurants and for those areas falling under Yenglag Thromde. This was also considering that restaurants are now allowed to operate bars under the same license. On measures to curb inflation, the Minister said that the pay structure reform would in fact benefit the market by increasing the purchasing power of consumers. However, he informed that the Ministry along with the Office of Consumer Protection are doing their best to regulate the price in the market. On the construction of a power sub- station in Panbang, the Minister said that the ministry fully supported the requirement however, it would be subject to availability of budget.