Almost two years into their term, the current government is now facing questions about a pay raise. Several Members of the National Assembly pressed the government on its plans to revise civil servants’ salaries. However, a pay increase does not appear likely any time soon. The finance minister said the government will look into the matter for now.
During the Question and Answer Session, the Wamrong MP asked whether the government plans to set up a pay commission to revise civil servants’ salaries.
“The current government pledged to double the pay. People voted for them based on that promise. If, after two years, the discussion changes, how will people trust democracy? How will they trust elections?” said Lam Dorji, Wamrong MP, Trashigang.
Other members of the parliament also voiced their concern about the need for a pay raise, citing inflation, attrition and rising risks of corruption.
Gangzur_Minjey MP Loday Tsheten said, “The Finance Minister said they are looking into it, but that is not enough. I don’t think we even need a pay commission. As long as there are issues in the Pay Structure Reform Act, Parliament can amend it.”
“This is for the civil servants. People are resigning because their salaries are not enough. I also returned from overseas. So if the government could at least give us a timeline to bring in a pay revision. Will it be by the next summer session or the winter session?” said Namgay Wangchuk, Lingmukha_Toedwang MP, Punakha.
However, the Finance Minister responded that due to changes in tax policies and several other factors, the government needs time to assess the country’s financial situation.
Finance Minister Lekey Dorji said, “We hope we will be able to table the pay revision in Parliament. However, we cannot commit to doing so in the summer or winter sessions, as mentioned by the Lingmukha_Toedwang MP. As parliamentarians and as a government, we have our responsibilities. We will examine the situation and decide.”
Over the last three years, MPs noted that inflation has risen by an average of 3.7 per cent. The civil service attrition rate has reached an estimated 8 per cent between May 2024 to June 2025.
Singye Dema & Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
