Deliberations on the Parliamentary Entitlements (Amendment) Bill 2024 have been deferred to the summer session. The Legislative Committee of the National Assembly recommended the deferment today. Committee Chairperson Kuenga said the Entitlements Act would be better addressed alongside the Pay Structure Reform Act 2022 which is also scheduled for amendment during the summer session.
The Legislative Committee’s chairperson stated that the committee will decide whether to merge the discussion on entitlements for parliamentarians, local government leaders, and constitutional post holders with the Pay Structure Reform Act 2022 or deliberate them separately.
Legislative Committee’s Chairperson Kuenga said, “If we only discuss the Parliamentary Entitlements Act now, this will cause issues again during the summer session when we discuss the Pay Structure Reform Act.”
The Parliamentary Entitlements (Amendment) Bill met with criticisms from the public since the day it was introduced in parliament.
Some took to social media arguing that while MPs do deserve duty vehicles, opting for Prado is unreasonable adding that importing high-end vehicles could drain the country’s hard currency reserves. Some others pointed out it is premature for lawmakers to prioritise their entitlements at a time when the country’s economy still recovering.
“In the summer session, the government should properly review and discuss with the ministry and department and should fulfil the expectations of civil servants, parliamentarians and LG leaders,” said Thrimshing-Kangpara’s MP Damche Tenzin.
“The chairperson took public opinion into account and reflected that focusing solely on the Parliamentary Entitlements Bill might lead to misunderstandings. I believe it is more appropriate to discuss parliamentarians’ entitlements alongside those of civil and public servants, rather than addressing them in isolation,” said Namgay Wangchuk, Lingmukha-Toedwang’s MP.
Out of the 21 provisions, the legislative committee proposed for amendment, the House deliberated on 13 so far. These include salary scales and structure, allowances and benefits for Members of Parliament, local conveyance allowances, and mileage for official travel beyond a 10-kilometer radius.
The House also deliberated entitlements such as residence or house rent allowances, and provision of a designated duty vehicle or a one-time lump sum grant for purchasing a duty vehicle with tax exemptions.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Phub Gyem
