In the second round of Question Hour for the Ministers in Group A, five questions for oral responses and three questions for written responses were asked by the House. Two oral and one written questions were directed to the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), while three oral and two written questions were addressed to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT).

The Member from the Lamgong-Wangchang constituency raised concerns about inconsistencies in the approval of attics, noting that some were allowed, while others were penalised with fines, demolished, or regularized after paying fines. The Member asked the Minister for MoIT to clarify on the differential treatments and inconsistent enforcement as it suggested that the rules are being used primarily as a means to collect fines. 

The Member from Kilkhorthang-Mendrelgang constituency questioned the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) on the challenges faced by the local governments in preparing Local Area Plans (LAPs) and other urban development plans. The Member asked whether the central agency should take the lead in developing structural or master plans for all Thromdes and Yenlag Thromdes, given that local governments lack the required capacity and resources for urban planning.

The Member from Gelephu constituency asked for updates on the current and future plans to address the challenges posed by increased number of vehicles, particularly any initiatives, policies, or infrastructure projects aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in Thimphu.

In response, the Minister for MoIT acknowledged the issues raised and clarified that, according to the Bhutan Building Regulation 2023, the authority currently lies on the Dzongkhag Administration. However, this arrangement is temporary, and the Ministry plans to implement its Construction Approval System (CAS) soon. The Ministry has already trained local leaders to implement the system, which is expected to address service delays, reduce corruption, and streamline processes. The Minister also pointed out that, due to a lack of workforce, it is challenging to inspect every property where such practices occur. However, the Attic Regulation of 2013 clearly states that it is illegal to construct attics beyond the established regulations, and the Ministry is committed to addressing these issues and ensuring consistent enforcement of the law. 

In response to the questions regarding the authority on LAP and urban development  plans,  the Minister for MoIT, clarified that the responsibility for preparing urban development plans lies with the local government, as outlined in the Local Government Act of 2009 and its amendment in 2014. However, the Minister acknowledged that local governments often face challenges due to a lack of expertise and manpower. The Ministry’s role, therefore, is to provide supportive assistance, and it will continue to offer this backup support. The development of Local Area Plans (LAPs) is carried out through consultation with the public, ensuring that industrial precincts and other key areas are identified in collaboration with local communities. The Minister emphasized the importance of involving both civil servants and the community in the planning process to ensure that the plans meet local needs and aspirations.

With regard to underdevelopment of the remote dzongkhags and thromdes government intervention is required. He highlighted that this issue has been submitted to the Lhengye Zhungtshog, with specific concerns raised for areas such as Nganglam, Lhuentse, Dagana, and Haa, which risk being overlooked if targeted actions are not taken. The Minister pointed out that the local government budget is insufficient to address the developmental needs of these areas. During budget allocation discussions, a request was made to the local government to allocate  at least 10% of the local government budget to the development of thromdes. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the need for the establishment of a high-level committee to review and consider the issues surrounding thromde development, which has yet to be formed. He assured that discussions would take place with the Secretariat to establish the committee, which would address the issues related to these Thromdes.

In response to concerns about traffic congestion in Thimphu, the Minister highlighted that a review of the city's carrying capacity is underway, following the Prime Minister's directive. The Ministry has submitted a report, and solutions to address the issue include the Low Emission Transport Master Plan, improved public transportation, and non-motorized transport options. This will involve procuring 40 electric buses, establishing dedicated bus lanes, and enhancing bus stops to reduce private car use. The Royal Bhutan Police are also involved in traffic management. Collaboration between various agencies, including the Ministry, Thromde, and city bus services, is crucial for tackling the multifaceted transport challenges.

The Member from the Khar-Yurung constituency questioned the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) on the government's efforts to reduce telecom data charges by 50%, as discussed during the first session of the Fourth Parliament. The Member asked when the public could expect these reductions and, if discussions with current telecom providers do not yield results, when a third provider, such as Starlink, might be introduced in Bhutan.

The Member from the Sergithang-Tsirang Toed constituency inquired about the high cost of internet data in Bhutan, despite government efforts to reduce it. The Member asked what specific measures are being considered to lower these costs and whether they can be implemented by the end of 2024.

In response, the Minister for MoICE stated that the government is actively working to reduce telecom data charges by 50%. This initiative is part of the National Digital Transformation Plan and has been included in the 13th Five-Year Plan. The Ministry has also received directives from the Prime Minister, and government agencies such as Gov-Tech, BICMA, and internet service providers are collaborating to reduce data charges nationwide. The Ministry has held consultations with all relevant service providers and was tasked with providing a report by 15 August 2024. A special committee has been formed to review and implement this plan. While it will take some months to fully implement, there is a high probability that the target of reducing data charges by 50% can be achieved. Additionally, the Prime Minister has been in discussions with the Indian government to reduce data charges for imports.The Minister assured that, in line with the Prime Minister’s directive, efforts will be made to implement the reduction by the end of this year.