Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has advised the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment to avoid introducing more rules and regulations without ensuring proper implementation. He said that too many frameworks can slow down business and become a burden instead of supporting progress. The Prime Minister made the remarks during the ministry’s midterm review today.
The Prime Minister said the current 955 rules and regulations under the ministry are excessive and hinders the ease of doing business.
Citing the Consumer Protection Act of 2012, he pointed out that despite a clear requirement for businesses to issue receipts to consumers, many still fail to do so even after 14 years.
He said this reflects gaps in enforcement and underscored the need for stronger implementation of the existing laws instead of introducing new ones.
“With the agency, we need to really see whether it is important or not because this is one country, one government, one people. So, let’s see whether it is really important or not. 955, the number seems huge to me. It may not be huge. To me, it seems huge. And 955, to navigate that is going to be really difficult. So, just have a look. As you say, it may be important. If it is important, we keep it. But make sure we implement it efficiently. If it is not important and if it is hindering progress with no positive outcome, remove it.”
During the review, the ministry’s secretary presented five policy, planning and strategic frameworks, along with 20 legislative and regulatory reforms, as key achievements.
The secretary added that 955 existing policies, rules, laws and guidelines are currently being reviewed by the private sector through the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The final report is awaited.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sonam Pem
