The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee held a consultative meeting with officials from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), Gyalsung Secretariat, and Royal University of Bhutan (RUB).

During the meeting, they shared various initiatives to address youth wellbeing and substance abuse, including the Bhutan School Counselling Framework, the Phamai Chongzha (Parenting Education Manual), and Career Education programs. Schools are also promoting healthy alternatives to substance use through extracurricular activities such as scouting and sports.

The Health and Wellbeing Division shared its efforts in raising awareness about tobacco and second-hand smoke through programs conducted in various schools across the country. They highlighted challenges such as stigma, underreporting, and limited access to rehabilitation centers.

Representatives from the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) shared their initiatives through Happiness and Wellbeing Centres, providing services like counselling, health education, religious discourse, and yoga. They also discussed challenges such as lack of resources and difficulties in following up with students in need of long-term care.

The Gyalsung Secretariat shared the medical and psychological screening process for Gyalsung enlistees, including the identification of those fit for training, as well as challenges in the absence of clinical counsellors and limited access to SUD treatment centers.

The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) shared the mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all civil servants. Those who fail the rapid drug test are disqualified from civil service appointments. The drug tests follow strict protocols, using approved test kits provided by the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), ensuring that recruits maintain personal integrity and job performance standards.

In the afternoon, the committee met with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MOICE) and the Department of Revenue and Customs. MOICE shared details on tobacco and alcohol licenses as well as rules for places of entertainment and restaurants serving alcohol.

The Bhutan Information, Communication, and Media Authority (BICMA) shared its rules and regulations on alcohol and tobacco advertisements on mainstream media including social media platforms.

The Department of Revenue and Customs shared an overview of trade in tobacco, alcohol, e-cigarettes, and related products from 2022 to 2024. They reported significant increases in customs duties and sales taxes, with tobacco products generating over Nu 2.3 million in 2024. For e-cigarettes and alcohol products, customs duties and taxes also saw significant growth in 2023 and 2024. The department emphasized the regulatory framework governing the trade of these substances and the collection of substantial revenues from their imports.

The committee will share the detailed findings in the upcoming session.