Monthly Archives: December, 0

The National Assembly endorsed the National Assembly amendment bill 2014 yesterday. The Bill was passed after the members deliberated extensively for two days. One of the major amendments is an elected member will now have to reimburse the campaign fund for the general elections if they submit voluntary resignation before assuming office.However they don’t have to refund in case of physical disability and mental incapacity.

Officials of the Jigme Dorji National Park in Paro seized two trucks carrying illegal sandalwood on two separate incidents. The first truck carrying around 900 kilograms of sandalwood was apprehended on the night of  January 26. The illegal timber had been hidden under cement bags and was to be exported to China.

Anyone aspiring to contest in the next National Council elections must now have a minimum work experience of 10 years. This was decided by the National Council today while discussing the National Council Amendment Bill 2014.

The National Assembly today endorsed the National Assembly Amendment Bill 2014. The Bill was passed after the members deliberated extensively for two days. One of the major amendments is an elected member will now have to reimburse the campaign fund for the general elections if they submit voluntary resignation before assuming office. However they don’t have to refund in case of physical disability and mental incapacity.

The National Council questioned the Labour Minister, Ngeema Sangay Tshempo, on the plans and policies initiated to create employment opportunities. Members also questioned him on the implementation of the labour administration and its challenges. Our reporter Sherab Zangmo attended the session and has this report.

The Department of Hydro-Met Services and the Finnish meteorological institute received a grant of 460,000 Euros from Finland, last August. The grant was received to execute the project for strengthening hydro-meteorological services in Bhutan. In line with this, a workshop was held to review the first report on socio-economic value of climate, weather, water disaster preparedness and hydro-met services to Bhutanese society.

Locals, especially in eastern Bhutan will celebrate the Chunipa Losar tomorrow, which falls on the twelfth month of the Bhutanese Calender every year.

A python measuring over a metre long was rescued from the middle of Samdrup Jongkhar town, yesterday evening. Forestry officials said the specie is known as Indian python and it is usually three-metre long.

The National Council questioned the Finance Minister, Namgay Dorji, on the government’s strategies to better manage the country’s debt during the question hour session yesterday.

The cabinet has decided to lift the ban on import of furniture and alcohol. The decision came upon the recommendations of Multi-sectoral Task Force.