His Majesty The King graced the closing ceremony of the Fifth Session of the Fourth Parliament today. Members of the Royal Family and representatives of international organisations also attended the ceremony. Parliamentarians expressed their gratitude to His Majesty for his visionary leadership and tireless efforts to ensure Bhutan’s peace, security and prosperity.
In his closing address, the Speaker praised His Majesty The King’s far-sighted initiatives, particularly the establishment of Gyalsung. He said the programme is already proving its value by nurturing capable, disciplined and service-oriented young people.
“The young trainees themselves have expressed immense satisfaction, fulfilment, and confidence in their personal growth and achievements. Many have shared that the training has enabled them to attain far greater accomplishments than they had ever imagined possible in their lives. They recognise that these opportunities have been made possible through the benevolence and farsighted vision of His Majesty The King.”
The Speaker also offered prayers for His Majesty’s noble vision to construct 108 Jangchub Chorten and the transformative vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
“May these sacred monuments serve as enduring symbols of the Buddha Dharma, sources of blessings for future generations, and objects of reverence for all sentient beings. We pray that this profound undertaking be accomplished smoothly and without obstacles, in accordance with His Majesty’s aspirations for the lasting peace, prosperity, and spiritual well-being of Bhutan.”
During the month-long session, the National Assembly adopted the Goods and Services (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Renewable Energy Exemption Tax Bill of Bhutan 2026, and the Livestock Bill of Bhutan 2025.
The house also approved several other bills, including the budget outlay of Nu 153.3bn for the 2026-2027 financial year.
However, members deferred the Insolvency Bill of Bhutan 2026 and the Rehabilitation Bill of Bhutan 2026 to a future session.
The National Council and the National Assembly could not reach to an agreement on several provisions of the Cooperatives and Farmer Groups Bill of Bhutan 2025 and the proposed amendment to Bhutan’s reservations to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. They will deliberate on the disputed provisions during the next joint sitting.
The joint sitting also reviewed the Annual Audit Report 2024-2025 and the Public Accounts Committee’s Performance Audit Report.
The session featured the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation Report and question-and-answer sessions with the government.
The Fifth Session of the Fourth Parliament concluded with the offering of Tashi Moenlam to His Majesty The King.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sangay Chezom
