In the second round of Question Hour for the Ministers in Group B, six questions for oral responses and one for written response were tabled in the  House. Three oral and one written questions were directed to the Minister for Education and Skills Development (MoESD), while three oral questions were addressed to the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL). No questions were tabled to the Minister for Health (MoH).

The Member from Dewathang-Gomdar constituency raised concerns about the government's plan to rationalize schools and establish model schools, which contravenes with the PDP's pledge to establish schools across 1,044 Chiwogs. The Member asked the Minister for Education and Skills Development to clarify how these seemingly contradictory plans are being addressed and to provide updates on the status of model schools, central schools, and Chiwog schools, as well as the criteria for school rationalization.

The Member from Khamdang-Ramjar constituency questioned the Minister for Education and Skills Development (MoESD) about teacher shortages in remote primary schools leading to teachers taking on additional workloads and multi-grade teaching. The Member asked what plans the Ministry has to address these shortages, retain teachers in remote areas, and whether privately funded PGDE graduates will be absorbed as regular contract teachers instead of recruiting from neighboring countries.

The Member from Boomdeling-Jamkhar Constituency questioned the Minister for Education and Skills Development (MoESD) regarding the heavy workload of cooks in schools with boarding facilities, who are required to work up to 16 hours a day, far exceeding the standard 9-hour workday for civil servants. The Member highlighted that, according to the PDP’s pledge under Education and Skills Development, support staff should receive benefits similar to teachers, including paid vacations and the possibility of being upgraded from contractual to para-regular status, with equal service conditions. The Member asked what measures the government is taking to address this issue and whether the extra work of these support staff will be compensated.

In response, the Minister for MoESD informed  that, as per the Ministry's 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP), one of the goals is to build schools in all 20 Dzongkhags, 205 Gewogs, and 1,044 Chiwogs, while improving the quality of the education system. The Minister further stated that the Ministry is working to strengthen human resources in the education sector by providing the necessary training, skills, and orientation programs. Basic resources and technical equipment are being incorporated in all schools. Regarding contract teachers and addressing the shortage of teachers in remote areas, the Ministry has decentralized the power to Dzongkhags to appoint contract teachers as needed and re-deploy teachers. The Ministry also plans to regularize self-funded PGDE graduates and address the lack of STEM teachers by recruiting expat teachers. Additionally, the Minister for MoESD stated that the staffing pattern for schools has been reviewed by the Ministry and presented to the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC). Upon its approval, the Ministry will implement the revised staffing pattern, which will address the issues related to the workload of support staff such as cooks.

The Member from Gelephu Constituency questioned the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) about the ongoing challenges faced by farmers in the southern region, particularly in protecting their crops from wild animals, especially elephants. The Member highlighted recent incidents in Gelephu (Sarpang), Lhamoyzingkha (Dagana), and Sipsu (Samtse), where farmers have not only lost crops but also lives. While the increasing elephant population is seen as positive, it discourages farmers from cultivating more, hindering efforts towards food security. The Member requested information on the Ministry's preventive measures, plans, and strategies to address this recurring issue.

The Member from Nyisho-Saephu Constituency questioned the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) about the illegal import of fertilizers, which has led to inflated costs exceeding Nu. 3,000, despite the actual cost being below Nu. 1,000. The Member recalled a previous statement by Lyonpo about working on a bilateral agreement with India to facilitate the legal import of fertilizers. The Member asked for an update on the current status of these discussions.

The Member from Wamrong Constituency questioned the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) on the government’s pledge to provide free seeds and seedlings to farmers, as outlined in Pledge No. 5.2.27, to boost farmers' income. The Member pointed out that while the government previously covered 80% of the cost and farmers covered 20%, a recent Ministry of Finance notification has changed this to 40% government contribution and 60% for farmers. The Member urged the government to honor its original pledge to provide free supplies or, at the very least, revert to the previous 80/20 cost-sharing arrangement.

In response, the Minister for MoAL stated that the government is aware of the wildlife conflict issues, which are included in the government's pledges and the 13th FYP. Almost Nu. 5 billion has been allocated to address this issue, and a plan to install chain-link fencing over 408 km, benefiting 4,800 households, is already in progress.

Additionally, the Minister for MoAL stated that in previous years, seeds were provided free of cost to farmers, and this practice continues. However, the Ministry is conducting thorough research on the suitability of vegetable and crop seeds before releasing new varieties free of cost to the public. Regarding farming supplies, the Ministry is working on a cost-sharing mechanism.