Although the National Assembly endorsed five new entry and exit points for the regional tourists in the first session of the third parliament, implementation of the project will take some time.
The Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs said the office is currently studying the situation and doing relevant research on it. While revisiting the resolutions made during the first session of the third parliament in the National Assembly yesterday, Home Minister Dasho Sherub Gyeltshen updated the house on the introduction of the 5 new entry points for the regional tourist.
“We need time to implement this plan. It requires budget, resources and at the same time we need to be prepared for its outcome. Implementing a motion as soon as it has been endorsed is not a good idea and feasible. And when I say that, it doesn’t mean that we are not going to implement the plan. We respect the decisions made by the house and accordingly we will implement the plan soon,” Dasho Sherub Gyeltshen, the Minister of MoHCA, informed the House.
However, unsatisfied with the update, various members of the parliament poured out their frustration for failing to implement the plan this time.
“As soon as the plan was approved by the house last time, people have started their work to set up tour companies and buy vehicles as well. But after spending a lot of money, the government today says they are not ready to implement the plan. And they are not even sure when they will finish their study. I am disappointed,” Dewathang_ Gomdar MP Ugyen Dorji shared his frustrations.
“If the government can update us on when they will be able to finish their study it will help us a lot. People will not ask when will it begin time and again, ultimately it will not be deliberated again here in the house,” Khar_ Urung MP Tshering Choden said.
“It is not acceptable; now is not the time to review and do study on the situation after it has been endorsed in the earlier session. It is now time to implement it. Moreover, the government says they are in process of doing research but I feel they should be presenting the findings today,” Chhumig_ Ura MP Karma Wangchuk added.
By the end of the deliberations, MPs were still not provided with the exact date with regard to the operation of the plan. However, the government gave surety of implementing the plan by the end of its tenure.
The opposition had put forth the motion as a measure to promote tourism for balanced regional development in the country during the first session of the parliament. Following which National Assembly endorsed 5 entry and exit of regional tourists through the border towns of Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephu, Samtse, Nanglam and Pangbang.
