His Majesty The King graced the Closing Ceremony of the fourth Session of the Third Parliament. The fourth session commenced on the 26th of November. The Prime Minister, Chairperson of the National Council, Opposition Leader and the Speaker thanked His Majesty on behalf of the members of parliament and the people for the noble initiatives undertaken amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister thanked His Majesty The King for the Royal guidance in navigating the government during difficult times and safeguarding the people from all aspects of life.
“His Majesty The King kept the Government, the people and various other institutions well informed during the dark times. Apart from all the general guidance, the Health Ministry and the government were also advised to manage and care other health aspects apart from COVID-19 prevention. The government under His Majesty’s wise guidance shouldered the responsibilities well so far,” reported Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also highlighted on some of His Majesty’s initiatives in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
“His Majesty The King toured the country many times ever since the outbreak of COVID-19. His Majesty out of compassion and concern transformed the Royal guest house in Monggar and RIGGS hostel at Phuentsholing into a COVID-19 health clinic and it has benefited us a lot. And today it has also helped more especially when the disease is more prone in border areas and people coming from abroad,” Lyonchhen said.
Ever since the outbreak of the disease, many who were left unemployed and concerned were relieved through His Majesty’s Kidu program.
“When everyone was left worried and anxious due to the disease, His Majesty’s kidu program made lives comfortable. Since many lost jobs, the Kidu program has helped over 35,000 individuals on a monthly basis pay. It has also eased the government’s burden on solving the unemployment issue,” Lyonchhen added.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the National Council, the Opposition Leader and the Speaker also thanked His Majesty for navigating the country compassionately and wisely during these difficult times.
The fourth session of the Third Parliament saw deliberations on the Fiscal Incentives Bill of Bhutan 2020, Entitlement and Service Condition (Amendment) Bill for the Holders, Members and Commissioners of Constitutional Offices, Lhengye Zhungtshog Bill of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2020, Joint Sitting on the disputed clauses of Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019 and Civil and Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2019.
The sessions also ratified the Framework Agreement between the government and the European Investment Bank (EIB) governing EIB activities in Bhutan and the Ratification of Agreement between the government and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on the privileges and immunities of the GCF will be also deliberated.
The parliament also discussed on reports such as Annual Audit Report 2019, review report of Annual Audit Reports 2010 – 2018, and the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation Report including legislative plans and the annual plans and priorities of the government.
Tshering Dendup
