The representative members of the National Council brought up the issue of sitting fees Local Government’s members, today. The sitting fees for the LG members while attending Gewog Tshogde, Dzongkhag Tshogdu and Thromde Tshogde are different.
The discussion came up while the NC MPs were deliberating the Local Government Members Entitlement Bill 2014.
“There is no difference with regard to qualifications of gewog representatives or Thromde Thuemi,” said Trongsa NC MP, Tharchen. He said the sitting fees of a LG member are Nu.150 and Nu.200 for a LG member for Dzongkhag Tshogdu. However, he said, a member gets Nu.5,000 per sitting of Thromde Tshogde.
Bumthang’s NC MP, Nima said the National Council shouldn’t take an abrupt decision and seek reasons from relevant stakeholders.
The Chairperson of the Upper House, Dasho Sonam Kinga instructed the Good Governance Committee discuss on this separately and present the outcomes of the talk in the house on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a new section in the Local Government Members Entitlement Bill, 2014 states that the Thrompons are entitled for housing allowance. However, they have been receiving housing allowances. It just hadn’t been reflected in any of the acts.
But, a few Members of the National Council feel even the Mangmis should be have same entitlement.
The Good Governance Committee was asked to re-look into the issue and present their decision to the Upper House.