Sunday 10 December 2023 11:52 AM  |  Webmail | Member Login

NewsHome MediaNews

His Majesty The King assumed the Golden Throne

Posted on : 09 December 2023
His Majesty The King assumed the Golden Throne on 9th December, 2006 after His Majesty Drukgyal Zhipa abdicated the Throne. As we enter the 18th year of our beloved Druk Gyalpo's reign, the National Council offers our heartfelt gratitude and prayers for His Majesty The King's long life and happiness.....

Appointment of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Ad hoc Committee

Posted on : 21 November 2023
An Ad hoc Committee was instituted to conduct an extensive review of the National Education Policy during the 6th Plenary Session. The committee held its first meeting today. Hon'ble Member from Mongar, Tshering Wangchen has been elected as the Chairperson, and Hon'ble Member from Zhemgang, Tshering Tshomo as the Deputy Chairperson. Further developments on the course of action and findings pertaining to the Education Policy will be shared as the…....

Leadership Change in Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC)

Posted on : 20 November 2023
Today, the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee appointed Hon'ble Kesang Chuki Dorjee as the new Committee Chair and Member from Gasa, Hon'ble Tshering as the Deputy Chair. SCAC will be reviewing the State of the Persons with Disabilities for the upcoming summer session.....

Training on Agile, Adaptive and Anticipatory Governance

Posted on : 10 November 2023
The Chairperson, Members, and staff of the National Council and National Assembly participated in a training on Agile, Adaptive, and Anticipatory Governance. The United Nations Development Programme, in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Management, conducted the program from November 6th to 10th. The goal was to provide Parliamentarians and secretariat staff with a thorough understanding of the principles in governance.....

National Council convenes 6th plenary

Posted on : 02 November 2023
A simple ceremony to mark the appointment of Eminent Member, Hon'ble Phuntsho Rapten as one of the Advisors to the Interim Government was held this morning. Following which, the plenary convened to begin planning for the 33rd session. The Hon'ble Chairperson updated the Members on the Royal Assent granted on the BIMSTEC Charter; Agreement on Transit-in-Traffic between the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Royal Government of Bhutan; the Convention…....

Celebration on 15th Coronation Day of His Majesty

Posted on : 01 November 2023
On the most auspicious occasion of the 15th Coronation Day of His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo, the Chairperson, Members and secretariat staff offered butter lamps and Zhabten this morning for His Majesty’s long life, good health and glorious reign.....

Farewell courtesy call

Posted on : 30 October 2023
The Speaker of the National Assembly paid a farewell courtesy call to the Chairperson of the National Council today. The Speaker expressed his gratitude to the Chairperson and the Members of the National Council for their unwavering support during their five-year tenure. Likewise, the Chairperson congratulated the Government for the successful term. Additionally, the Chairperson conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for their leadership during this…....

Media Literacy and Communication Skills training 23-27 October

Posted on : 27 October 2023
Project Nyamdrel, with support from International IDEA and Helvetas Bhutan, recently organized a five-day training programme enhancing media literacy and communication skills for Members, Secretary Generals and staff of the National Council and the National Assembly.....

Tangra offering at Dechenphu and Tashichhodzong

Posted on : 19 October 2023
Following the successful conclusion of the 32nd session of the National Council, the Hon’ble Chairperson, Members, and the Secretary General offered prayers at Dechenphu and Tashichodzong today.....

32nd Session of National Council concludes

Posted on : 19 October 2023
In his closing remarks, Chairperson Sangay Dorji extended his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty The King on behalf of all Bhutanese. The Chairperson also expressed appreciation for His Majesty's commitment to world peace, acknowledging the deployment of a peacekeeping military contingent from Bhutan. He congratulated the 180 Bhutanese peacekeepers stationed in the Central African Republic, who were awarded the United Nations Peace medals for their service and significant role towards…....

National Council adopts International Instruments, Bills, Agreement and Annual report

Posted on : 17 October 2023
The House adopted the Biological Corridor Nine Bill of Bhutan 2023, Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Charter, Agreement on Transit-in-Traffic between People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Royal Government of Bhutan, Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Anti-Corruption’s Annual Report 2022-2023 with 23 Members present and voting. The BIMSTEC Charter, Agreement on Transit-in-Traffic between People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Royal Government…....

Deliberation on Biological Corridor Nine Bill of Bhutan 2023

Posted on : 16 October 2023
The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Natural Resource and Environment Committee presented the committee's review work and public consultations held in preparation for the deliberation of the Bill. The committee emphasized the objectives and advantages of the Biological Corridor Nine, in addition to providing information on the various species of flora and fauna documented within the proposed area of the new biological corridor. While deliberating the Bill, Members raised…....

12th Royal Wedding Anniversary

Posted on : 13 October 2023
The Chairperson, Hon'ble Members and secretariat staff commemorated the 12th Royal Wedding Anniversary by lighting butter lamps and reciting prayers to mark this joyous and auspicious occasion this morning.....

Deliberation on the Anti-Corruption Commission's Annual Report 2022-2023

Posted on : 10 October 2023
During the deliberation, the Members asked the Good Governance Committee (GGC) about the reasons behind the low Parliamentary integrity score and the Business Integrity initiative of Bhutan. Additionally, they sought clarification on the disparities between the findings of the National Integrity Assessment (NIA) 2022 and the National Corruption Barometer Survey 2023. Some Members expressed concerns on the pending cases and recommended to set a specific time-frame for investigations. The Members…....

Deliberation on the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Posted on : 06 October 2023
The Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee, Hon’ble Tshering Tshomo presented the findings of the committee works along with the background, objectives and purpose of the Convention. The objectives of the Convention according to Chairperson of the SCAC is to ensure and promote full and equal enjoyment of human rights by the individuals with disabilities, encompassing crucial aspects like accessibility, participation, equality, employment, education, social protection, and health.…....

Good Governance Committee presents Anti-Corruption’s Annual Report 2022-2023

Posted on : 05 October 2023
The Chairperson of the Good Governance Committee (GGC), Hon’ble Phuntsho Rapten presented the Anti-Corruption Annual Report 2022-2023 to the House this morning. While presenting the report, it was reported that there is a noticeable increase in the perception of corruption in Bhutan, with 38.3% of respondents in National Integrity Assessment (NIA) 2022 and 38.7% in the National Corruption Barometer Survey (NCBS) 2023 perceiving corruption as a serious problem During the…....

Introduction of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Posted on : 04 October 2023
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Lyonpo Dr. Tandin Dorji said that Bhutan initially signed the Convention in 2010 but it was left without ratification due to the absence of a dedicated institution responsible for overseeing this process. He said that the National Assembly adopted the Convention with four reservations on Article 18 - Liberty of Movement and Nationality; Article 23 - Respect for Home and Family; Article…....

Introduction of the Biological Corridor Nine Bill of Bhutan 2023

Posted on : 04 October 2023
The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Lyonpo Loknath Sharma said that the new Biological Corridor not only aims to conserve wildlife and facilitate genetic resilience of biodiversity but also offers opportunities to secure vital conservation funding for the area. Furthermore, it presents nature-based livelihood enhancement prospects. Lyonpo also emphasized the Government's commitment to assisting residents in addressing human-wildlife conflicts and exploring economic opportunities, including ecotourism and birdwatching. Following the…....

Deliberation on the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Charter and Agreement on Transit-in-Traffic between People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Royal Government of Bhutan

Posted on : 03 October 2023
The House deliberated on the BIMSTEC Charter and the Transit Agreement with Bangladesh today. The Chairperson of the Legislative Committee, Hon’ble Ugyen Tshering, presented the findings of the review works conducted by the Committee. He informed the House that the committee accepted the Dzongkha text corrections proposed by the National Assembly. The House accepted all amendments. Similarly, the Deputy Chairperson of the Economic Affairs Committee, Hon’ble Tshewang Rinchen presented the…....

Introduction of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Charter

Posted on : 02 October 2023
The Minister for Home Affairs, Lyonpo Ugyen Dorji presented the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Charter to the house today. Lyonpo Ugyen said that although BIMSTEC was established in 2004 , it did not have a charter until 2018 when the fourth BIMSTEC Summit directed its secretariat to prepare the draft charter. This draft was subsequently endorsed during the fifth BIMSTEC Summit in 2022.…....

Introduction of the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in- Transit between the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Royal Government of Bhutan and its Protocol.

Posted on : 02 October 2023
The Minister for the Industry, Commerce and Employment, Lyonpo Karma Dorji highlighted the significance of the agreement as it establishes a legal framework aimed at enhancing connectivity between Bhutan and Bangladesh across various modes of transportation, including road, rail, air, river, and coastal waterways. This agreement, originally signed in 1980, holds particular importance for Bhutan as it offers an alternative route for transit trade for all third country goods and…....

Presentation on the Draft Forest and Nature Conservation Rules

Posted on : 02 October 2023
Today, the Natural Resources and Environment Committee convened a consultative meeting with the officials from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR). The officials from MoENR made a comprehensive presentation on the draft Forest and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations 2023, with the aim of soliciting comments and feedback from the Hon'ble Members. During the presentation, the officials explained why several new rules including the validity of forest clearances,…....

Opening Ceremony of the 32nd Session of the National Council

Posted on : 01 October 2023
Corresponding to the seventeenth day of the eighth lunar month of the Water Female Rabbit Year, the 32nd Session of the National Council commenced today with a traditional Zhugdrel Phuensum Tshogpai Tendrel ceremony. In his opening address, the Hon'ble Chairperson expressed profound gratitude to His Majesty The King for gracing the opening ceremony of Parliament. He also conveyed the heartfelt felicitations to Their Majesties for the Royal Birth of Her…....

National Council conducts pre-session plenary

Posted on : 29 September 2023
In preparation for the 32nd session of the National Council, a pre-session plenary was convened today to update the House on the progress reports of the Committees. The Chairpersons of the various committees presented updates on the five works assigned to them. The Economic Affairs Committee Chairperson, Dasho Tashi Wangyal presented the findings of the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in Transit between Bhutan and Bangladesh. The Good Governance Committee…....

Press Conference for the 32nd Session

Posted on : 29 September 2023
Ahead of the 32nd Session, the Deputy Chairperson and Media Spokesperson, Hon'ble Dago Tsheringla invited the media today. At the press conference, the Chairpersons of the different standing committees provided a succinct overview of the Bills, Agreements and report that will be discussed during the session. The Anti-Corruption Commission Annual Report, the Biological Corridor Nine Bill of Bhutan, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the BIMSTEC Charter,…....

Appointment of Secretary General

Posted on : 28 September 2023
His Majesty The King conferred Tashi Khadar to Tenzin Thinley, designating him as the Secretary General of the National Council Secretariat (NCS) at the Tashichhodzong today. Before assuming his current position, Tenzin Thinley served as the Officiating Secretary General of the NCS in accordance with the appointment order issued by the Royal Civil Service on October 28, 2022. Prior to this, he was Director General of the Department of Youth…....

Presentation on the Agreement on Movement of Traffic-in Transit between Bhutan and Bangladesh

Posted on : 28 September 2023
Led by the Director General, the officials from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment presented the Agreement on Movement of Traffic-in Transit between Bhutan and Bangladesh to the Economic Affairs Committee today. In addition to the EAC members, other Hon’ble Members attended the presentation followed by an interactive question and answer session. The Bill will be deliberated in the upcoming session of the National Council.....

National Council's Kurim at Dechenphu and Tashichhodzong

Posted on : 28 September 2023
Led by the Honorable Chairperson, the Members of the National Council organized a kurim and offered prayers at Dechenphu and Tashichhodzong today. This longstanding tradition is to seek divine guidance and blessings for the successful conduct of the 32nd Session, scheduled to commence on October 1st, 2023.....

The Legislative Committee held a consultative meeting with the Department of Multilateral Affairs to discuss the BIMSTEC Charter.

Posted on : 27 September 2023
The National Assembly had passed the BIMSTEC Charter during the last Parliament Session. The National Council is going to deliberate on the Charter in the coming Session slated to be held from 1st October, 2023. Bhutan became a member of BIMSTEC in February, 2004. Although BIMSTEC has been in existence for two and half decades, it does not have a Charter. The Fourth BIMSTEC Summit held in 2018 directed the…....

The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee conducted a consultation meeting on the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Posted on : 27 September 2023
Ms. Dechen Pelmo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said that the UNCRPD was signed in 2010 and since then the Government has held several in-country high level stakeholder consultation meetings before introducing it to National Assembly in June. The National Assembly passed it with four Reservations. Representatives from Ability Bhutan Society, Disabled Persons Organization of Bhutan, Draktsho, Phensem Support Group, UNDP and UNICEF also shared their…....

Constituency Visit Update

Posted on : 21 September 2023
Hon'ble Phub Dorji is in Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag for his constituency visit.He has been meeting with Dzongkhag officials, Local Government leaders and the public. Hon'ble Phub Dorji has been in Wangduephodrang since 28 August .....

Buelwa Offering

Posted on : 20 September 2023
Led by the Hon'ble Chairperson, the Members and secretariat officials offered Buelwa at the ongoing Thimphu Lhamoi Drupchen in the presence of His Eminence Dorji Lopen at Tashichhodzong today. The National Council is honored to continue the age old practice of Buelwa during the sacred Lhamoi Mangcham performances. This practice is done on behalf of all the people of Bhutan to express gratitude to the Zhung Dratshang for propitiating the…....

Constituency visit update

Posted on : 19 September 2023
Hon'ble Tshewang Rinchen is in Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag for his constituency visit. He met with Dzongkhag officials and attended the Dzongkhag Tshogdu. So far he has met with the people of Gomdar, Wangphu, Orong, Dewathang and Phuntshothang Gewogs. He will be visiting the remaining Gewogs and schools in the following days.....

ACC’s presentation to the Good Governance Committee on their Annual Report 2022-2023

Posted on : 18 September 2023
The Good Governance Committee held a consultative meeting with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to discuss the Annual Report 2022-2023. Twelve officials from the Commission led by the Hon’ble Chairperson attended the meeting. The comprehensive presentation included the Prevention of corruption; Complaints and referrals; Investigation of corrupt acts; Overall performance of the Commission, and the challenges and way forward. Bhutan's Parliamentarian Integrity Index (PPI) 2022, which is a part of National…....

Constituency Visit Update

Posted on : 12 September 2023
Hon'ble Tshering Tshomo is currently in Zhemgang and is meeting with constituents, visiting schools and engaging with various officials. During the visit, she aims to engage with constituents and understand their concerns and get their views.....

Constituency Visit Update

Posted on : 12 September 2023
Hon'ble Member Birendra Chimoria is in Dagana as part of his constituency visit. He met with the Dzongkhag officials and sector officials on September 12. He will travel to all Gewogs and conduct consultation meetings with Local Government officials and the public.....

Nation celebrates the joyous arrival of Her Royal Highness The Gyalsem

Posted on : 11 September 2023
As the nation celebrates the joyous arrival of Her Royal Highness The Gyalsem, the Chairperson and Members offered prayers during the three days Kurim initiated by the Central Monastic Body. The National Council also offered Yoejey to the Zhung Dratshang yesterday. A simple cake-cutting ceremony and recitation of Zhabten to Their Majesties was held earlier this morning to commemorate the auspicious occasion.....

Natural Resources Environment Committee on tour

Posted on : 05 September 2023
The Natural Resources and Environment Committee (NREC) of the National Council is on a field visit from September 2nd to 14th, to visit the Biological Corridors as part of the review of the Biological Corridors Nine Bill of Bhutan 2023. The committee is currently in Trashiyangytse Dzongkhag and will be meeting with Dzongkhag officials and the public of Yangtse and Bumdeling Gewogs to get their feedback. The Committee visited Omba…....

Constituency Visit Update

Posted on : 28 August 2023
Hon'ble Kencho Tshering started his constituency visit in Bumthang Dzongkhag from 20th August. Upon reaching Bumthang, he attended the Dzongkhag Tshogdue, met with Dzongkhag and Local Government leaders, attended the Ura Mushroom festival and Zangtherpo Primary School Silver Jubilee celebration. Hon'ble Kencho will visit the people of the four Gewogs, Throm and schools. He shared the resolutions of the 31st Session, listened to concerns and issues raised by the public…....

Constituency visit update

Posted on : 24 August 2023
Hon'ble Tshering arrived in Gasa on 21st August. During his constituency visit, Hon'ble Tshering will be meeting with his constituents to understand their priorities. He will also visit schools and various Government offices in Gasa until August 30.....

The Hon’ble Chairperson Sangay Dorji returns from constituency visit

Posted on : 24 August 2023
The Hon’ble Chairperson joined office today after completing his constituency visit yesterday. During his visit, the Chairperson met with the public of Samphelling, Phuntsholing, Logchina, Dungna, Metakha, Darla, Bongo, Getana and Chabchha geogs. The Hon’ble Chairperson shared the resolutions passed by the house during 31st session of the National Council, differences between the National Council and National Assembly, roles and responsibilities of the National Council and importance of the Institution…....

Constituency Visit Updates

Posted on : 22 August 2023
Hon'ble Namgay Dorji began his constituency tour to Punakha on August 13. During his visit he met the Dzongkhag officials and the Local Government representatives to discuss the current development activities and future plans. He also visited the Logo Dama Primary School, Khuruthang Middle Secondary School and Lobesa Lower Secondary School. His tour will conclude on 31 August.....

Constituency Visit Updates

Posted on : 22 August 2023
Hon'ble Nima Wangdi reached Tsirang on August 19 and will be meeting with Local Government leaders and sector heads. He will visit all gewogs under Tsirang by the 24th August....

Hon'ble Deputy Chairperson visits his constituency

Posted on : 19 August 2023
The Deputy Chairperson,Hon'ble Dago Tsheringla completed his constituency visit to Haa Dzongkhag on August 16. During his visit, he attended the Dzongkhag Tshogdue and met with the public of Haa Throm, six gewogs, Dzongkhag and Dungkhag officials as well as regional heads to share the resolutions of the 31st Session, sensitize them on the roles and responsibilities of the National Council and to receive feedback.....

Hon'ble Chairperson visits his constituency

Posted on : 18 August 2023
The Hon'ble Chairperson Sangay Dorji began his constituency tour on August 14. The Chairperson met with sector and regional heads of Chukha Dzongkhag and also visited the places affected by recent monsoon floods. Following which he met with the officials of the Thromde, business community of Phuntsholing and Pasakha community. For the next one week, the Chairperson will visit all gewogs under Chukha Dzongkhag.....

Guru Drapoi Kurim

Posted on : 11 August 2023
Coinciding with the auspicious Dakini day, His Eminence Leytshog Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang presided over a day-long Guru Drapoi Kurim at the National Council today. The Chairperson, Members, and secretariat officials offered prayers and lit butter lamps for Their Majesties' good health, happiness, and well-being.....

Workshop on United Nations Convention and Citizen Engagement Platform concludes

Posted on : 10 August 2023
The Members and secretariat staff of the National Council attended a workshop to gain valuable insights in UN Conventions related to human rights, children's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, environmental declarations, and anticipatory governance tools. Furthermore, the secretariat staff actively engaged in a dedicated session on the Citizen Engagement Platform.This platform, developed in collaboration with UNDP, is geared towards amplifying public participation and involvement in the decision-making process.…....

Consultation Meeting

Posted on : 28 July 2023
Today, the Natural Resources and Environment Committee held a consultative meeting with the Department of Forest and Park Services under the Ministry of Energy and Natural resources to discuss the Biological Corridor Nine Bill of Bhutan 2023. Upon receiving the Bill from the National Assembly, the House directed the committee to review the Biological Corridor Nine Bill of Bhutan 2023. Three officials from the Department led by the Director attended…....

The National Council convenes its 3rd plenary meeting

Posted on : 25 July 2023
In preparation for the remaining nine sessions of the National Council, a plenary meeting was convened to update the House on the work plan of the various standing committees. A total of number 15 policy and 7 legislative issues were raised by the Members during a recent intensive brainstorming session. The Chairpersons of the respective committees made presentations identifying the possible session against each prioritized issue given the merit of…....

Drub Tshe zhi

Posted on : 21 July 2023
On the occasion of Drub Tshe zhi, the National Council stands in solidarity to express our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the 23 departed souls as well as their affected families from last night's flash flood at Lhuentse.....
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16   

WHO IS MY MP?

Find out who's the MP(s) for a constituency.

 

Find NCB Member

News & Media Centre

Read press releases, watch live & archived video..

 

Find Out More

Connect With the NCB

Keep up to date with what's happening at the National Council.

Contact Us

Langjophaka, Thimphu, Post Box No. 200, PABX: 00975-2-337371/337372/337374, Fax No. 325543/337158

E-mail: sonamtobgye@nationalcouncil.parl.bt