Under the esteemed leadership of His Excellency the Chairperson, the National Council of Bhutan convened its 16th Plenary Session yesterday. The session was marked by profound deliberations and significant decisions that reaffirm the Council’s commitment to advancing the legislative landscape of the nation, in alignment with His Majesty The King’s visionary address delivered during the 117th National Day celebrations.

A day long session commenced with comprehensive presentations from the five Standing Committees, wherein the respective Committee Chairs provided detailed updates on the progress of assignments entrusted to them. These reports serve as a critical preparatory foundation for the forthcoming 35th Session of the National Council.

A major highlight of the plenary was the strategic presentation by the Committees on their targeted action plans inspired by His Majesty’s Royal Address. Each Committee identified key legislative instruments requiring review, amendment or consolidation to better reflect and realize His Majesty’s aspirations for a just, forward looking and dynamic Bhutan.

Following extensive deliberation, the Plenary Session unanimously endorsed the review and reform of the following five legislative Acts, which have been duly delegated to the respective Committees for necessary actions: 

1.     Local Government Act of Bhutan 2009 – Economic Affairs Committee

2.     Jabmi Act of Bhutan – Legislative Committee

3.     Civil Service Reform Act of Bhutan 2022 & Bhutan Civil Service Rules 2023 – Good Governance Committee

4.     Public Finance Act of Bhutan 2007 – Natural Resources and Environment Committee

5.     Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan 2007 – Social and Cultural Affairs Committee

In addition, the Plenary endorsed the formation of a five-member Special Committee tasked with conducting a comprehensive review on Manufacturing and Wholesale & Retail Trade, combined under the unified theme of “Business PLUS”, aimed at spearheading initiatives that align with Bhutan’s economic transformation goals.

As part of the Council’s continued efforts to enhance public engagement and participatory governance, the Plenary also finalized and endorsed two topics for Public Hearings scheduled for August and September 2025, respectively. These hearings are designed to address critical national concerns through inclusive dialogue and democratic participation. The topics and corresponding Committee assignments are as follows: 

1.           Unemployment and Brain Drain – Economic Affairs Committee

2.      Environment versus Infrastructure Development – Social and Cultural Affairs Committee

The Plenary witnessed active participation from all Hon’ble Members, whose insightful contributions enriched the deliberations and strengthened the outcomes of the session.

The proceedings concluded with a few Any Other Business (AOB) items and dissemination of important information by the Hon’ble Chairperson.

The 16th Plenary Session thus concluded successfully, embodying the National Council’s unwavering dedication to fulfilling its legislative, review and representative mandates. The 17th Plenary Session has been scheduled for 15th May 2025.