Monthly Archives: December, 0

The impact of the revised SDF has also been affecting the handicraft shops in the country. Handicraft shop owners say they are also confronted with a similar challenge faced by tour operators in the country. Due to a decline in the number of tourist arrivals, they are unable to sustain their business without buyers. The vendors were hopeful of the border reopening in September. But much to their dismay the sales have not picked up as expected.

It has been a little over two months since Bhutan reopened its borders to tourists and implemented the revised SDF. Most of the tour operators in the country say the number of tourists visiting Bhutan has decreased following the revision of the SDF to 200 US dollars per person per night. The Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators or ABTO said while they are disheartened by the arrivals this time, some tour operators are more discouraged by the very minimal inquiries and bookings for the next season. 

The latest political party to join the race, the Bhutan Tendrel Tshogpa, has submitted its application for registration to the ECB. According to a party spokesperson, the party submitted its application along with the party name, logo, charter, and other details to the Election Commission this morning.

Moviegoers can now enjoy Bhutanese movies at a cheaper rate in the theatres. This is because the National Assembly accepted National Council’s recommendation to do away with the 30 per cent sales tax on every ticket.

The National Council today passed the Pay Structure Reform Bill 2022 with some recommendations. The House proposed reinstating the communication allowance for all eligible public servants despite the National Assembly doing away with it last week. It also recommended providing MPs with a designated duty vehicle.

Adopting the Civil Service Reform Bill, the National Assembly removed a section which gives the Office of the Attorney General the power to compound petty crimes. Compounding petty crimes means payment of fines instead of imprisonment. The National Council recommended removing the section.

For now, the government does not have any identified area in the east to construct an international airport. However, the government plans to explore possibilities to bring balanced regional development. The Prime Minister said this yesterday while responding to the Dramedtse-Ngatshang MP’s question on the government’s plans to develop an airport in the east. Meanwhile, due to poor wind direction and inadequate airport runway length, the government has dropped the plan to develop an airport at Pongchula in Monggar.

Civil servants and corporate employees in the country seem to be in need of better diet and exercise. This is as per the ongoing health screening conducted by the health ministry in government and corporate offices in the capital. Of more than 2000 employees that have undergone the screening, almost half are found to have weight issues.

While some disabilities can be lifelong and without a cure, some are treatable and can be prevented from turning into more severe conditions. However, in many rural areas, due to a lack of awareness and access to facilities, many persons with disabilities are left without treatment. To reach out to such people, a group of health professionals from Gelephu Regional Referral Hospital and Ability Bhutan Society has treated about 148 people with various forms of physical disabilities in Zhemgang as part of a Physiotherapy and ENT camp.