The Labour Department has directed the Bhutan Broadcasting Service to compensate its former Chief Editor and also recommended changes to strengthen future recruitment practices within the organisation. The findings follow an investigation by the department, after it received a complaint from the former BBS Chief Editor in November 2025. He alleged irregularities in the recruitment and appointment process for the Chief Editor position.
The investigation was conducted under the Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan 2007, the Regulations on Working Conditions 2022, and BBSCL’s endorsed Internal Service Rules.
According to the report, the Department found that the former Chief Editor met the eligibility criteria and was selected for the position in October 2023. However, the appointment order was issued approximately 14 months later, rather than the prescribed timeframe of 63 days or nine weeks according to the Regulations and Working Conditions 2022.
The Department also found that although the vacancy was advertised at the M2 grade, the appointment was made at the P2-3 grade. While salary arrears were later paid to compensate for the delay in issuing the appointment order, the Department noted that these payments were calculated based on the lower appointed grade.
Hence, the Department recommended the BBS to compensate the former chief by paying the difference in salary, allowances, and other employment-related benefits based on the originally advertised grade. It further called on the office to recalculate retirement and other terminal benefits on the same basis.
According to the Department, the vacancy was advertised internally rather than publicly, contrary to the requirements of the Regulations on Working Conditions 2022 and BBSCL’s Internal Service Rules.
The Regulations on Working Conditions 2022 under section 84 state that every vacancy, regardless of position, must be advertised through mainstream or other social media.
It further observed that the selection process was conducted through departmental nominations instead of a duly constituted Recruitment Committee. The selection process under section 91 of the Regulations on Working Conditions 2022 states that the candidate shall be selected through a Recruitment Committee.
Under the Regulations, an employer found in violation of Sections 84 and 91 is liable to a financial penalty for each offence.
A first-time violation attracts a fine of 90 times the Daily National Minimum Wage, a second violation carries a fine of 180 times the Daily National Minimum Wage, and a third or any subsequent violation is punishable by a fine of 360 times the Daily National Minimum Wage.
Furthermore, the Department issued broader recommendations to improve future recruitment processes.
It advised BBS to ensure that all vacancies are publicly advertised, that recruitment is carried out through a properly constituted Recruitment Committee, and appointments are completed within the prescribed timelines.
The Department also recommended that the BBS review and amend its Internal Service Rules to provide greater clarity on grading, promotions, recruitment procedures, and the respective roles of management, the Recruitment Committee, and the Board in personnel decisions.
The report stated that the identified contraventions are subject to statutory enforcement measures. The Department of Labour will initiate the necessary follow-up actions in accordance with the Labour and Employment Act and the Regulations on Working Conditions.
Sonam Yuden
