The Department of Labour is reviewing a complaint alleging the Bhutan Broadcasting Service, BBS, of procedural irregularities in the recruitment and appointment of one of its former Chief Editors. The former Chief Editor filed the complaint with the department in November 2025. Following the notice of the matter from the department, the BBS management has submitted a written response to the department.
In his complaint letter, the former Chief Editor is alleging procedural irregularities in his recruitment and appointment that he considers inconsistent with the BBS Service Rules and the Labour and Employment Act. The letter mentioned that he assumed the post in November 2023 but was not given the grade specified in its vacancy’s announcement. The formal appointment order was issued a year later but backdated to 1st January 2024. He further alleged discretionary treatment compared with employees in similar positions. He appealed the case to the BBS management and the Board.
In August 2025, the Board revoked his appointment, citing procedural lapses. Following another appeal by the complainant, the Board later decided to reinstate him. However, according to the former Chief Editor, the management delayed informing him of the Board’s decision. He submitted his resignation in mid-April this year.
According to the BBS management’s letter to the department, the internal vacancy for the post of two Chief Editors did not attract a sufficient number of eligible applicants. Accordingly, nominations were invited from the News and Current Affairs Department, in which the complainant was serving. After reviewing his qualifications, experience, and suitability, the management committee consensually appointed the complainant as a Chief Editor. As per the letter submitted to the labour department, the formal appointment order was deferred as a precaution because an anonymous complaint had been lodged with the Anti-Corruption Commission during the recruitment process, even though the ACC issued no directive to suspend administrative decisions.
The Board later identified procedural lapses in the recruitment and initially revoked the appointments while allowing the appointees to retain financial benefits already received. On further review, it reinstated both Chief Editors with their existing pay and benefits and directed that future higher-level appointments be made through open, competitive selection under the BBS Service Rules. The BBS management maintains that all decisions, such as the recruitment, appointment, revocation, reinstatement, and grade placement, were made collectively by the competent authorities through its Management Committee and the Board.
In a written response to BBS News, the former Chief Editor said he no longer seeks reinstatement or any position, but wants the facts established objectively, procedural shortcomings identified, and institutional governance strengthened. He added that strong labour protections and fair grievance mechanisms are essential not only for employees but also for maintaining public confidence in institutions that serve the public.
The CEO of BBS, who took office in December 2025, said that while he cannot comment on matters predating his tenure, the management has extended full cooperation to the labour department. Since the case has drawn considerable public attention, he added that the people have the right to know of the outcome. He expressed full confidence in the integrity of due process and awaits the findings with an open and impartial mind.
Meanwhile, according to the labour department, although the case was registered in November 2025, the investigation did not officially commence as the former Chief Editor was still deciding whether to pursue the matter further. The department also cited an acute shortage of human resources, noting that a single labour officer is currently handling cases across six districts.
The Department of Labour expects to complete the investigation by next week. It will review the submissions of both parties in accordance with the Labour and Employment Act 2007, before making any recommendations.
Editor’s Note: As the matter involves disputed administrative decisions, BBS news is presenting the documented positions of the complainant, management, and the reviewing authority. Conclusions should be based on verified records, responses from all relevant parties and the findings of the competent authority. BBS will update the story when the Department of Labour completes its review.
Sonam Yuden
