The 30th Session of the National Council concluded today with the offering of Zhabten to His Majesty The King.

In the closing remarks, His Excellency the Hon’ble Chairperson Tashi Dorji said that although it is the last session for the Members of the Third National Council, the Members have time and opportunity until 9th May, 2023, to continue to serve the people and the nation. He gave his assurances that the House will continue to fulfill its mandates and serve the nation until the last day.

On behalf of the Members and people of Bhutan, the Hon’ble Chairperson expressed his profound gratitude to His Majesty The King for His selfless efforts to keep all Bhutanese safe during the Covid pandemic. He stated that in order to make the Bhutanese youth, who are the backbone of our country competent and capable of competing in the international world, His Majesty has initiated important reforms in the information technology and educational sector.

The Chairperson said as Parliamentarians, it was an honor to be part of the introduction and passing of the sacred Gyalsung Act, an Act that will have far reaching positive impact for all Bhutanese youth.

Regarding the transformation initiatives, he said that as the success of developmental activities depends on skills, commitment and the conduct of the civil servants, the Civil Service Reform Bill of Bhutan 2022 was introduced as an Urgent Bill and passed during this session following an extensive deliberation in both the Houses.

The Hon’ble Chairperson also offered praise and gratitude to His Majesty The King for deploying the Royal Bhutan Army Personnel as an UN Peacekeeping Contingent.

Finally, the Hon’ble Chairperson also expressed gratitude to His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Gyalseys and the Members of the Royal Family for complimenting and supporting His Majesty in pursuing the Royal visions.

Moreover, he thanked the Central Monastic Body headed by His Holiness the Je Khenpo and other religious communities for the conduct of Kurims to bring peace and prosperity in the country.

Over the past four years and eight months, the Chairperson said that the House passed fifteen legislations, ten international instruments, thirty-one Money Bills, and numerous policy recommendations.

Finally, the Hon’ble Chairperson said that the next Chairperson and Members should strive to uphold the sacred duties and safeguard national interests. He prayed that the National Council as a House of Review will continue to serve the King, Country and People with full dedication and commitment.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, Opposition Leader, Cabinet Ministers, Heads of the Armed Forces, Heads of the Constitutional Offices and other dignitaries representing various offices attended the closing ceremony of the 30th Session of National Council.

The session ended with offering of Tashi Moenlam.