News

The MBBS programme at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) could take some time to begin if the deliberations at the National Assembly on June 6 are anything to go by. Members said that it is early for the university to embark on such a programme given …

The bridge over Bhalujora in Pasakha, which was damaged recently, has been restored. Light vehicles are now able to ply over it. A 14-wheeler Indian truck, with more than 35 metric tonnes (MT) load, headed to Pasakha industrial estate had plied the bridge on June 1 afternoon and damaged it …

Technical Training Institute in Chumey and Jigme Wangchuk Power Training Institute in Gelephu, will pilot a dual training programme by adopting a 30 percent institute based and 70 percent industry based training system from August this year. This was discussed during a multi-stakeholder platform for Dual Training Program (DTP) in …

Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said discussions are on-going with the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) to extend the contract period of those on regular contract by two to three years. During the National Assembly’s question hour session on June 7, Jomotsangkha Martshala’s MP, Norbu Wangzom asked the Prime Minister …

In a major boost for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community, the National Assembly yesterday supported the recommendation of its legislative committee to remove discriminatory sections on unnatural sex in the Penal Code. This move is a huge step in decriminalising unnatural sex in the country. …

Even though the pay revision Bill, which proposes the lion’s share of allowances to teachers, gets endorsed, teachers could get their additional allowance based on the Bhutan Professional Standards for Teachers only next year. The government proposed teaching allowances ranging from 35-55 percent based on the number of years served. The …

Economic affairs committee (EAC)of the National Council (NC) said yesterday that dominance of fronting in Phuentsholing was clear when almost all shops in the town remain closed whenever there were festivals in India or the border was sealed during elections. “Fronting exists in grocery stores, hotels, telephone booths, garment stores, …

The government may have recommended a slashed raise in the salary of the Members of Parliament, but MPs are among the group that benefited the most from the governmet’s proposed revision. MPs could take home an additional amount of at least Nu 16,289 a month in pay and allowances. This …

The government, through external support, would procure 10 electric buses and 30 electric taxis, according to the information and communications minister, Karma Donnen Wangdi. This was shared yesterday during the question hour at the National Assembly. The minister said the move would promote green and inclusive transport in the country. …

Towards the end of May, a patient attendant allegedly harassed a senior gyne-oncologist at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu. It required hospital management and police to intervene. The hospital did not file an official complaint. However, this is not an isolated case. Cases of abuse and negligence between patient …

For decades, the warmer valleys of Punakha and Wangdue had been the winter homes for highlanders from Laya and Lunana. Every winter, to escape the harsh cold and to stock up rations, they move down to warmer places. There, they spend about two months, in tents pitched in open fields …

It’s been about three years since Narphung village in Gomdar, Samdrupjongkhar has been struggling with an acute shortage of drinking water. The water tank at the source and pipelines were destroyed because of the highway widening works. Today, the residents depend on the water supplied by project DANTAK and rainwater …

Seventeen Swiss business delegates visited Bhutan to present their business to promote trade and business between the two countries. The businesses range from agriculture, constructions, education, health, and hydropower. The organiser, Swiss Embassy in India, said that since Bhutan would soon graduate to medium-income country, besides investing in a developmental …