The National Assembly endorsed most of the recommendations made by the National Council on the Office of the Attorney General Bill 2014.
The Panbang MP, Dorji Wangdi said given the workload of the OAG, there is a need for two Deputy Attorney General. He added the functions of the Office of Attorney General are equivalent to that of two ministries. “And it deals with all the legal matters on behalf of the government including corruption and criminal matters”
The section six of the Office of the Attorney General Bill states that the office shall be headed by the Attorney General and shall be assisted by a Deputy Attorney General.
But the Khar-Yurung MP, who is also the member of the Good Governance Committee, said at present it is important to focus on strengthening the Office of Attorney General by establishing departments and divisions.
Some members supported the Pangbang MP. But some members pointed out that there is no need to mention it in the Bill. The Lower House then, by the show of hands, decided to keep the section as it is.
The members also deliberated extensively on the establishment of regional and other offices in the dzongkhags under OAG.
The Good Governance Committee of the National Assembly has proposed to do away with the section. Some members supported the proposal, while some were not in favour. After a much deliberation, the house resolved to go with the committee’s proposal.
However the OAG may establish departments, divisions and sections as deemed necessary by the Attorney General in consultation with RCSC.
The house will continue to deliberate the OAG bill tomorrow.
