The need to establish a special committee or a joint committee to carry out an in-depth study to resolve the escalation of prices of goods and services was raised in the National Assembly. Kengkhar Weringla’s MP Rinzin Jamtsho proposed this on Friday. However, the motion was not passed by the House. It was said that there is a team already working on it.
The rising cost of living is reported to be burdening the lower section of society. With the fuel prices hitting an all-time high recently, MP Rinzin Jamtsho said there is a need for effective regulation and monitoring by the government.
According to him, while the government is working hard to address this, it is not doing enough.
“But despite all the hard work, if we ask whether the prices of goods are falling or not in the market, then we have to think about it. We can’t really see many changes,” he said.
According to the MP, agencies like the economic affairs ministry, finance ministry, agriculture ministry and NSB should come up with a special committee immediately. He proposes the committee do an in-depth study and present the report to the House.
Some members of the Opposition Party supported the formation of such a committee that could provide information and ways to address rising inflation.
“If the motion is passed, we will clearly see in which direction our economy is heading. Secondly, because we are an import-driven country, we can segregate the kinds of imports we do,” said Passang Dorji (PhD), the Bartsham Shongphu MP.
The motion was not well received by the government.
According to Economic Affairs Minister Loknath Sharma, there is already a multi-sectoral task force to look after the fuel.
“As for the general commodity, if you say we need a special committee, we also have one for it. If you think the committee we have is not performing, the member of parliament who put forward this motion should come up with a committee himself and give us advice,” said Lyonpo.
“The committee’s chairperson is also the economic affairs ministry’s secretary. Headed by him, we have other experts and if you say these people are not at par, then please tell us. The cabinet here with 10 ministers and myself is also a committee. All the ministers here will never support this motion,” said Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering.
While Finance Minister Namgay Tshering said he has no problem accepting the motion, he said there is no use in forming a committee with people from outside the parliament.
“If we think we can find a solution, we can form this committee within ourselves and headed by the member who proposed this motion, we would happy to have solutions.”
However, with a majority of the members voting against the formation of the committee, the motion was rejected.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sonam
