Newly elected Members of Parliament are readying themselves for the implementation of their constitutional mandate by attending a five-day induction programme that began in the capital on November 12.

The programme has been tailor-made to suit the needs of the new parliamentarians ahead of the third National Assembly’s first session.

According to the National Assembly secretariat website, the programme was being organised to inform the parliamentarians about the roles and functions of Parliament as one of the three branches of the Government.

Only 13 Members of Parliament out of 47 have previously served as parliamentarians.

Among the Cabinet members, Communications Minister Karma D Wangdi is the only member who served as a parliamentarian previously. There are seven women in the House, out of which two are in their second term.

The parliamentarians are also being equipped with the basic knowledge of parliamentary practices and procedures to facilitate their effective participation in the legislative process. 

This programme is aimed at helping the parliamentarians make effective contribution in Parliament.

The induction programme, according to the secretariat would also appraise the new members on Parliament’s constitutional role and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of its position as the supreme legislative institution in the country.

The programme consists of both presentations by panelists and interactive sessions on parliamentary and parliamentary procedural topics.

The new members are also being briefed about their privileges and entitlements.

The speakers at the programme included former ministers and parliamentarians including Dasho Khandu Wangchuk and Damcho Dorji.

The programme will conclude today. The members officially joined their office on November 9.

MB Subba  

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