The National Council’s Natural Resources and Environment Committee raised concerns over the rush to discuss three major tax bills at once. The committee, tasked with reviewing the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, says a limited time may not allow proper review or public input.
The finance minister, today, introduced the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the National Council. The National Assembly passed the bill yesterday. The Goods and Services Tax and Excise Tax bill are also under review in the Council.
“One comprehensive bill after another is being tabled, but we have very little time. How can we make sure everyone’s needs are heard?,” said Kelzang Lhendup, the chairperson of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
Deputy Chairperson Leki Tshering said, “We spent a whole day reviewing the GST bill. Even then, we found it hard to understand. So, rushing such decisions may not help the people.”
“The government wants the law to take effect in January. That gives us time. We should use it to consult people and review the bills better,” said Ugyen Tshering, one of the members of the committee.
To this, the finance minister said delays could harm the process.
Finance Minister Lekey Dorji said, “A money bill is different from other bills because if the decision is delayed, there’s a risk of outside influence. I’ve experienced this personally. No one ever asks us to impose taxes; they only lobby for tax reductions.”
As per the Public Finance (Amendment) Act 2012, a money bill must return to the National Assembly within five days. If the Council neither passes nor returns the bill, it is considered passed.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
