Starting today, people entering Bhutan via the pedestrian terminal in Phuentshogling no longer have to pay the Nu 10 user fee. This comes after the government issued an executive order yesterday. Many welcomed the discontinuation of the fee collection. People say although the fee was not substantial, it contributed to lengthy procedures at the terminal.
Going by the immigration numbers, over 20,000 people enter and exit the Phuentshogling terminal every day. It experiences a significant inflow of people, especially during the winter season.
The executive order on the discontinuation of user fee collection has brought happiness not only to the locals but also to the people of Jaigaon and other nearby areas in India.
“We were surprised as well as happy when we heard about the discontinuation of the user fee. This should have been done a long time ago. This will benefit a lot of people in Bhutan as well as Jaigaon,” said Manoj Jain, a resident of Jaigaon.
“The government has done away with the collection of the user fee making it very convenient for the people. Otherwise, it would create unnecessary congestion. We hope that everything will go well from here on,” said Namgay Dorji, a resident of Phuentshogling.
“We want to express our gratitude to the new government. It would benefit people a lot, especially those who are economically disadvantaged,” said Pokchey Bomjan, a resident of Samtse.
Between November 2022 and December 2023, the Regional Immigration Office collected about Nu 64 M in revenue from the user fee at the pedestrian terminal.
The pedestrian terminal was inaugurated in September 2022 and the user fee system was initially introduced to meet the expenses of the terminal including electricity bills, staff salary and maintenance of the terminal.
However, in April last year, the user fee for people exiting the terminal was discontinued following a notification by the Cabinet Secretary.
Meanwhile, according to the immigration officials, the finance ministry has been directed to ensure the provision of adequate funds for necessary maintenance and keep the terminal in good condition, ensuring its standard and functionality for public use.
The discontinuation of user fee is one of the government’s pledges for day one in Office.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sonam Pem
