The Economic Affairs Minister Loknath Sharma introduced the Mines and Minerals Bill of Bhutan 2019 in the National Assembly today.
“If we look at the revenue generated from this sector, it is only around 3 to 4 per cent. We could not manage this properly and it has affected the nation’s revenue. Therefore, to generate more revenue, an amendment is necessary. If we look at the current situation, there is no participation from all the people and it is important to give equal opportunity to all the people in the country. Every individual has rights over the resources of the country.”
While some members mentioned that the government should take over the mines and minerals sector, some argued that there is no harm in private individuals managing the sector. The house later concluded there is a need for more consultation as it is considered a very sensitive and economically important sector.
So most of the members felt the need to provide enough time and do an in-depth study. The third reading, therefore, will be done in the next session of the assembly. The Economic and Finance Committee of the house will carry out the task of reviewing and consultations.
The House also decided to do the third reading on Civil and Criminal Procedure Code Bill of Bhutan 2019 and Penal Code Bill of Bhutan 2019 during this session.
The Legislative Committee introduced the Civil and Criminal Procedure Code Bill of Bhutan 2019 and Penal Code Bill of Bhutan 2019.
“In 2014, His Majesty commanded that there were many rules and regulations that lead to duplication of laws in the country and laws that are in contradiction to the constitution. Therefore there is the need to harmonize and consolidate these laws. Following this, the National Law Review Task Force was constituted to look into this matter. And since the Civil and Criminal Procedure Code of Bhutan and Penal Code of Bhutan are the most used, we are presenting these two in this session,” Bongo_Chapchha MP Tshewang Lhamo informed the House.
She presented that the committee through its thorough review of the report prioritised a few laws and presented its urgent need for amendment. A few members of the parliament, however, said the committee needs to revisit the Civil and Criminal Procedure Code Bill of Bhutan 2019 and Penal Code Bill of Bhutan 2019. The house later agreed with the committee and the bills will discuss in this session.
