Opposition Party says the government’s contradictory statements on the benefits of local leaders have confused and concerned them.
Local Government Members’ Entitlement Act says the local leaders are entitled to two retirement benefits: provident fund and gratuity.
An opposition member, Ugyen Wangdi said while one minister says the Local Government Members’ Entitlement Act, which mentions the benefits the LG leaders’ benefits, will be implemented, the other minister says otherwise.
Foreign minister, Damcho Dorji, during a press conference, had said the serving local leaders will be entitled to benefits even though the Local Government Act is yet to be implemented.
On the other hand, a local media has quoted home minister, Dawa Gyeltshen as saying the serving LG leaders are unlikely to get provident fund, as entitlement act came into force just a few months ago.
However, Lyonpo said the local leaders will be entitled to gratuity if they complete their five year term, this June.
MP Ugyen Wangdi said it has been almost seven months since the LG Act was passed. The Parliament had endorsed the act in July, last year.
“It has to be implemented on the day of the enactment of the act irrespective of whether the rule is in place or not.” The LG draft rules and regulations is yet to be put in place.
The opposition member also said the serving LG leaders who complete their tenure this June must be entitled for benefits.
