National Council members said the country’s mining sector is benefiting only a few individuals.
MP Tashi Wangyal said a few private companies and individuals are exploiting the country’s natural resource even though the Constitution says it belongs to all the citizens.
“This creates a gap between wealthy and poor. It will hamper politics, economy, and country’s peace and prosperity in the future.”
Citing Royal Audit Authority Report 2014, he also said the sector suffered a loss of Nu 134 M due to corruption. The royalty to the government, on the other hand, was Nu 119 M annually.
But, the economic affairs minister, Lekey Dorji said the government is receiving 50 percent of the mining sector’s income.
“Mining sector not benefitting people is untrue.”
He cited RAA’s research which states 51 percent of earning from dolomite went to government from 2008-12.
The Upper House had called the minister for the second time this session to clarify issues related to mining sector.
