Royal Address at the Concluding Ceremony of the 3rd Session of Parliament

His Majesty's Address to the Parliament as Third Session of the First Parliament concluded yesterday

On the occasion of the concluding ceremony of the 3rd session of Parliament, I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system while bearing great responsibilities you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum. The Opposition, though comprised of only two members, has through diligence and commitment, fulfilled the important duties of the Opposition party enshrined in the Constitution. The members of the National Council, in the interest of the country’s future, have shouldered their profound duties with accomplishment. I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the government and the members of parliament. It is with complete trust and faith that I look upon you to serve the People and Country. In doing so you have my wholehearted support. We must also acknowledge that in preparation for democracy we had entrusted immense responsibilities on our civil servants and judiciary as well as on constitutional bodies such as the Royal Audit Authority, Anti-corruption Commission and Election Commission, which they have fulfilled in the service of the nation. Henceforth, for a vibrant and successful democracy, we must continue to support and strengthen these institutions. Media - newspapers, television, radio and the Internet – must play a very important role. I appreciate that while some of the media agencies are young and lack adequate resources they have strived to perform their duties with complete commitment. Hereafter, media will be vital in keeping people well informed and in encouraging debate and participation - key to a vibrant democracy. Therefore, I have decided that through the exercise of my Royal Prerogative of Kidu, to strengthen media agencies so that they may carry out their duties, without fear or favour, in the interest of democracy. Today, whenever there is time, I travel across the country to the villages. It is when I sit in the houses of my people, eat our meals together and discuss the lives and aspirations of each family, that I am most content. And while I am there I try, in small ways, to help them with their most pressing problems. Nothing is as rewarding as knowing that I have made their lives a little more comfortable, a little more secure and happier. There is no substitute for being able to see the problems of the people personally. For when I carry out my duties, I shall remember the faces of the people whom I must serve and I will know the ways in which I can serve them best. It is also while I am in the villages that I come across so many people serving the country in such important ways, but who are rarely recognized and acknowledged. There is the civil servant, teacher, health worker and local government staff working in remote places and serving their country well. Our development projects are supported by the hard work of the daily-wage worker and those in the national work force. There is the small entrepreneur or the farmer working hard to feed his or her family. Such people are the backbone of our nation. I have said before that the future is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today, and the sacrifices we make will shape the future of our nation. To each and every loyal, hardworking and law-abiding citizen I offer my deepest gratitude. Now, I always say that when we work together we must be frank and forthright. Today, everywhere people are concerned about the disagreements between important institutions of government. I want to tell my people that when such disagreements arise, there is no need to worry. It means that the members of these institutions have embraced their duties wholeheartedly. However, we must be careful not to defer problems but resolve them as soon as they arise. It is not the disagreements that our people should be concerned about; it is the manner in which they are resolved. Frankly, these disagreements have given us a great opportunity to set the right precedent for future politicians, governments and people. If the institutions in question can sit together, keeping national interest above all else, and resolve their problems, it will be an auspicious sign that democracy has a great future in Bhutan. As King I have the sacred duty to look beyond the next one or two, or even five or ten years. It is my duty to serve the People such that, for generation after generation, era upon era our nation becomes stronger, more prosperous and happier. Therefore, from where I stand, I do not see different players such as the National Assembly, National Council, Cabinet or Bureaucracy. What do I see? I see our small landlocked country. I see our small Bhutanese family. Then I see this immense world in which we have the challenge and responsibility to stand on our own feet and build a nation into which our future generations will always feel proud, secure and happy to be born. This is what I see. I truly believe that we have a special, unique and strong nation because of our People – the jewel of Bhutan. Throughout history our people have always worked as One Nation with One Vision. So, today, it is my hope that you will uphold this unity of spirit and purpose and resolve all disagreements in the interest of our People and Country, now and in the future. Tashi Delek From BBSC Website: on 30th July 2009 from //www.bbs.com.bt/Royal%20Address%20at%20the%20Concluding%20Ceremony%20of%20the%203rd%20Session%20of%20Parliament.html

Royal Address at the Concluding Ceremony of the 3rd Session of Parliament

His Majesty's Address to the Parliament as Third Session of the First Parliament concluded yesterday

On the occasion of the concluding ceremony of the 3rd session of Parliament, I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system while bearing great responsibilities you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum. The Opposition, though comprised of only two members, has through diligence and commitment, fulfilled the important duties of the Opposition party enshrined in the Constitution. The members of the National Council, in the interest of the country’s future, have shouldered their profound duties with accomplishment. I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the government and the members of parliament. It is with complete trust and faith that I look upon you to serve the People and Country. In doing so you have my wholehearted support. We must also acknowledge that in preparation for democracy we had entrusted immense responsibilities on our civil servants and judiciary as well as on constitutional bodies such as the Royal Audit Authority, Anti-corruption Commission and Election Commission, which they have fulfilled in the service of the nation. Henceforth, for a vibrant and successful democracy, we must continue to support and strengthen these institutions. Media - newspapers, television, radio and the Internet – must play a very important role. I appreciate that while some of the media agencies are young and lack adequate resources they have strived to perform their duties with complete commitment. Hereafter, media will be vital in keeping people well informed and in encouraging debate and participation - key to a vibrant democracy. Therefore, I have decided that through the exercise of my Royal Prerogative of Kidu, to strengthen media agencies so that they may carry out their duties, without fear or favour, in the interest of democracy. Today, whenever there is time, I travel across the country to the villages. It is when I sit in the houses of my people, eat our meals together and discuss the lives and aspirations of each family, that I am most content. And while I am there I try, in small ways, to help them with their most pressing problems. Nothing is as rewarding as knowing that I have made their lives a little more comfortable, a little more secure and happier. There is no substitute for being able to see the problems of the people personally. For when I carry out my duties, I shall remember the faces of the people whom I must serve and I will know the ways in which I can serve them best. It is also while I am in the villages that I come across so many people serving the country in such important ways, but who are rarely recognized and acknowledged. There is the civil servant, teacher, health worker and local government staff working in remote places and serving their country well. Our development projects are supported by the hard work of the daily-wage worker and those in the national work force. There is the small entrepreneur or the farmer working hard to feed his or her family. Such people are the backbone of our nation. I have said before that the future is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today, and the sacrifices we make will shape the future of our nation. To each and every loyal, hardworking and law-abiding citizen I offer my deepest gratitude. Now, I always say that when we work together we must be frank and forthright. Today, everywhere people are concerned about the disagreements between important institutions of government. I want to tell my people that when such disagreements arise, there is no need to worry. It means that the members of these institutions have embraced their duties wholeheartedly. However, we must be careful not to defer problems but resolve them as soon as they arise. It is not the disagreements that our people should be concerned about; it is the manner in which they are resolved. Frankly, these disagreements have given us a great opportunity to set the right precedent for future politicians, governments and people. If the institutions in question can sit together, keeping national interest above all else, and resolve their problems, it will be an auspicious sign that democracy has a great future in Bhutan. As King I have the sacred duty to look beyond the next one or two, or even five or ten years. It is my duty to serve the People such that, for generation after generation, era upon era our nation becomes stronger, more prosperous and happier. Therefore, from where I stand, I do not see different players such as the National Assembly, National Council, Cabinet or Bureaucracy. What do I see? I see our small landlocked country. I see our small Bhutanese family. Then I see this immense world in which we have the challenge and responsibility to stand on our own feet and build a nation into which our future generations will always feel proud, secure and happy to be born. This is what I see. I truly believe that we have a special, unique and strong nation because of our People – the jewel of Bhutan. Throughout history our people have always worked as One Nation with One Vision. So, today, it is my hope that you will uphold this unity of spirit and purpose and resolve all disagreements in the interest of our People and Country, now and in the future. Tashi Delek From BBSC Website: on 30th July 2009 from //www.bbs.com.bt/Royal%20Address%20at%20the%20Concluding%20Ceremony%20of%20the%203rd%20Session%20of%20Parliament.html

Third session of the first Democratically Elelected Parliament concluded yesterday

Third Session of the parliament Yesterday was the day for the government and newly elected members of the parliament to fill proud of themselves as they have successfully concluded their third session of the joint sitting parliament. Though some of the bills could not get passed through, it was a success because they could extensively discuss and deliberate on many pertinent issues during the session. The Bills that could not passed through the two third majority were Local Government Bills and civil service bill. These two bills and other other important bills will be passed in a special joint sitting sometime next month. Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultrhim said that the dates will be confirmed after the approval from His Majesty the King. Addressing the Parliament, His Majesty the King commended the ruling government, the opposition party and the national council members for their success and fulfilling their roles and responsibilities for the interest and the benefit of the Bhutanese people. His Majesty the King said “I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system, while bearing great responsibilities, you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum. His Majesty the king said that the controversies among the members and the houses are good sign for a democracy and it will happen in future too. However, His Majesty the King reminded the members that it is important for the every member to work hard for the benefit of the people as the present leaders will be examples for the future leaders. The Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Opposition leader and the National Council Chairperson expressed their commitment to serve the Tsa Wa Sum and rededicate to build a vibrant democracy in the country.

Third session of the first Democratically Elelected Parliament concluded yesterday

Third Session of the parliament Yesterday was the day for the government and newly elected members of the parliament to fill proud of themselves as they have successfully concluded their third session of the joint sitting parliament. Though some of the bills could not get passed through, it was a success because they could extensively discuss and deliberate on many pertinent issues during the session. The Bills that could not passed through the two third majority were Local Government Bills and civil service bill. These two bills and other other important bills will be passed in a special joint sitting sometime next month. Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultrhim said that the dates will be confirmed after the approval from His Majesty the King. Addressing the Parliament, His Majesty the King commended the ruling government, the opposition party and the national council members for their success and fulfilling their roles and responsibilities for the interest and the benefit of the Bhutanese people. His Majesty the King said “I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system, while bearing great responsibilities, you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum. His Majesty the king said that the controversies among the members and the houses are good sign for a democracy and it will happen in future too. However, His Majesty the King reminded the members that it is important for the every member to work hard for the benefit of the people as the present leaders will be examples for the future leaders. The Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Opposition leader and the National Council Chairperson expressed their commitment to serve the Tsa Wa Sum and rededicate to build a vibrant democracy in the country.

Local Government Act got stucked but elections are not

Yesterday, after much deliberation among the parliament members in the joint sitting on the Local Government Bill, the house decided to vote to pass the bill. The house failed to secure two third majority to pass the bill to become an act. The Prime Minister Lyonchen JYT said "It is sad for all of us not being able to pass this act" . He said that Local Government Bill is one that is urgent with coming of the local government elections soon. Lyonchen said that he is now concerned about it. Other members including some of the cabinet ministers supported the lyonchen's concern. The Gasa MP Damcho Dorji said that it is important for the parliament to discuss articles one by one so that at the end there will be no obstacle in passing the bill. He added that the bill could not get through because some articles still needs more deliberation in order to get through. The speaker Jigme Tshulthrim said that as a speaker he does not have any right to cast vote. The bills got stuck by just one vote. It needed 45 votes out of 68 but got only 44 vote in favour After a prolong deliberation, the house decided to have a special sitting in August to resolve the differences and pass the bill before the election of the local leader begins. Now the speaker has to put a written application to His Majesty the King for approval of the special sitting next month.

Local Government Act got stucked but elections are not

Yesterday, after much deliberation among the parliament members in the joint sitting on the Local Government Bill, the house decided to vote to pass the bill. The house failed to secure two third majority to pass the bill to become an act. The Prime Minister Lyonchen JYT said "It is sad for all of us not being able to pass this act" . He said that Local Government Bill is one that is urgent with coming of the local government elections soon. Lyonchen said that he is now concerned about it. Other members including some of the cabinet ministers supported the lyonchen's concern. The Gasa MP Damcho Dorji said that it is important for the parliament to discuss articles one by one so that at the end there will be no obstacle in passing the bill. He added that the bill could not get through because some articles still needs more deliberation in order to get through. The speaker Jigme Tshulthrim said that as a speaker he does not have any right to cast vote. The bills got stuck by just one vote. It needed 45 votes out of 68 but got only 44 vote in favour After a prolong deliberation, the house decided to have a special sitting in August to resolve the differences and pass the bill before the election of the local leader begins. Now the speaker has to put a written application to His Majesty the King for approval of the special sitting next month.

A story from Kuenselonline: If only …

Date: Thursday, July 30 @ 01:04:24 EDT Topic: home “It still feels like a nightmare and that I’ll wake up to find everything well in place” Wangchu incident30 July, 2009 - “Study as if you were to live forever, live as if you were to die tomorrow,” reads the quote, stuck on the bedroom door of 14-year-old Sangay Phuntsho. Inside the small bedroom, there is a table with a stack of books and a white table fan. A clean school gho and a pair of white lageys are neatly folded on the bed, ready to be worn the next day. “Had he been alive, the room would have been much tidier. He was particular about being tidy,” says Sonam’s sister, Yeshi Lhamo, 27, as she looks around the room. “I never imagined he’d die such a death. I raised him like my own child. It still feels like I’ll wake up to find everything well in place,” says Yeshi, the eldest of six siblings. Yeshi has almost given up on catching a last glimpse of her brother’s body. “I don’t think they’ll be able to find it. I wasn’t there when the incident occurred, I’d have died from the pain, seeing him in that kind of a situation.” Sangay Phuntsho was one of the boys, washed away by the Wangchu in Tsimalakha on July 27. It’s been three days since the tragedy and a somber atmosphere clouds Tsimalakha, as friends and neighbours still talk about the incident. All the families have already started performing last rites. Rinzin Dema, 33, who moved to Paro three months ago, did not meet her son Sangay Dawa, 13, but he died. She had kept him with his best friend, the lone survivor, so that he could continue the academic session in Tsimalakha and join her by year-end. “Whenever I see a boy of his age, it reminds me of him. It feels like darkness, I can’t even think properly,” she says sobbing. “I wish I could at least get to see the body.” Sangay Pem, 37, was with the rescue team when the Wangchu took her son, 14–year-old Kinley Rinzin. “I passed my phone after putting it in a polythene bag and tied it to the nylon rope which had reached the children. I kept on shouting, telling them not to panic,” she says, trying to keep herself calm and firm, her other four children sit quietly in the room. “I feel so helpless. It was like going there and helping him take his last breath.” That morning when Kinley Rinzin, 14, told her that he wanted to go for a scout campaign in school, he didn’t even perform the household chores she had asked him to, like he normally did. “He was so restless and kept answering back to me. He just set the rice in the cooker and left with his packed lunch,” said Sangay, holding back tears. All the eight boys of Tsimalakha lower secondary school, who set out for the Wangchu (river) with their lunch boxes on July 26, had lied to their parents, saying that they were going to school. The parents frantically searched for them in and around Tsimalakha, when they didn’t come home by nightfall. Of the eight boys, three were from divorced families and four were staying with their families, employees of the Chukha hydropower corporation. The rest were staying with relatives. Tshewang Tenzin, assistant engineer of Chukha dzongkhag, said that he told his son, Tashi Phuntsho, 14, not to go to school that day, but he left with some snacks. “I know what it feels to watch your child die right in front of you,” said Tshewang, who was there that fateful night. He had spoken to his son one last time on the mobile phone that was passed to them. “It was like killing them ourselves.” By Kinga Dema The URL for this story is: http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13097

Are mobile phones responsible for dismantling of ISD/PCOs in the country?

A few years back, when mobile phone facilities were almost absent, the towns could be seen with a lot Public Call Operators commonly known as PCOs. Almost every nook and corner around the urban centres including the grocery shops use to install PCOs. But today, if we visit Thimphu Town, the biggest urban area in Bhutan, does not seem to have a single PCO. What is the main reason for such a rapid decline in the number of such service providers? The answer is simple, thanks to B-mobile and now Tashi mobile ever making the call rates far cheaper than landline phones.

Almost every Bhutanse young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, literate or illeterat, office goer or cowherd possess varieties of cellophone depending on their income and ability to use the features. Typically, most of the farmers who are illeterate carry black and white which are bit cheap, high officials and business tycoons carry post-paid high branded ones and yougesters carry more fashionable phones such as E-Series, N-series and some even carry Iphones and apple. These youths usually are sons or daughters of rich businessmen or high officials.

With this facility, no one seems to bother about existence of any public booth. Nobody even seem to think that once there existed huge number of public booth in the country but not anymore. Even the media seems least care about the disppearance of such public services. Not a single report is seen in any form of media on the issue. May be everyone was taken too much by the existence of mobile phones including the media persons or organizations.

Where did the equipments used for public booth go? Who must have taken these equipments which cost quite huge sum? Or is it lying as an antic at their residences? The final answer would be that it will become a form of an e-waste one day. Does government think of any such consequences in the future?

There are so many questions we need to ask on the issue. Yet, there seems to be no solution, no concrete answer. The only definite answer is that it will becomes one day as a litter or e-waste.

Are mobile phones responsible for dismantling of ISD/PCOs in the country?

A few years back, when mobile phone facilities were almost absent, the towns could be seen with a lot Public Call Operators commonly known as PCOs. Almost every nook and corner around the urban centres including the grocery shops use to install PCOs. But today, if we visit Thimphu Town, the biggest urban area in Bhutan, does not seem to have a single PCO. What is the main reason for such a rapid decline in the number of such service providers? The answer is simple, thanks to B-mobile and now Tashi mobile ever making the call rates far cheaper than landline phones.

Almost every Bhutanse young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, literate or illeterat, office goer or cowherd possess varieties of cellophone depending on their income and ability to use the features. Typically, most of the farmers who are illeterate carry black and white which are bit cheap, high officials and business tycoons carry post-paid high branded ones and yougesters carry more fashionable phones such as E-Series, N-series and some even carry Iphones and apple. These youths usually are sons or daughters of rich businessmen or high officials.

With this facility, no one seems to bother about existence of any public booth. Nobody even seem to think that once there existed huge number of public booth in the country but not anymore. Even the media seems least care about the disppearance of such public services. Not a single report is seen in any form of media on the issue. May be everyone was taken too much by the existence of mobile phones including the media persons or organizations.

Where did the equipments used for public booth go? Who must have taken these equipments which cost quite huge sum? Or is it lying as an antic at their residences? The final answer would be that it will become a form of an e-waste one day. Does government think of any such consequences in the future?

There are so many questions we need to ask on the issue. Yet, there seems to be no solution, no concrete answer. The only definite answer is that it will becomes one day as a litter or e-waste.

Constitution: Most commonly used point to defend their arguments, the parlaiment members

The third session of the parliament of Bhutan after becoming the democratic has almost come to an end. Numerous resolutions including the passing of bills took place so far. It ranged from state funding of political parties to contituency development funds, national assembly act to nationsl civil service act 2009 to entilements of constitutional post holders to police bill to local government acts. In all these cases, when ever either of the houses confronted with problems or amendments, it was always backed by the cluases of Constitution of Kingdom of Bhutan.

No matter, whether it is true or not, applicable or not, every parliament member who stood up to speak quoted articles or sections of the constitution to defend his or her point.

When the Cabinet Ministers did not turn up for the question session at the National Council, the council members qouting the articles and sections of the consitution to say that it is mentioned in the constitution. Therefore, the cabinet ministers have violated the constitution by not coming for the question session.

At the same time, including the Prime Minister, Lyonchen JYT defended that it is not necessary for the ministers to be present for the question as per some articles of the constitution.

Even in the past, the National Council Members and the opposition party rejected the Constituency Development Grant on the pretext that it is unconstitutional.

The Thromde Act, Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdue and Gewog Yargay Tshogchung Chhathrim went an extensive review and amendent because it contravenes many artciles of the constitution.

Thus, in conclusion, the use of articles and sections of the constitution is used bit more excessive at times even for a small and minor changes and rectifications.

Constitution: Most commonly used point to defend their arguments, the parlaiment members

The third session of the parliament of Bhutan after becoming the democratic has almost come to an end. Numerous resolutions including the passing of bills took place so far. It ranged from state funding of political parties to contituency development funds, national assembly act to nationsl civil service act 2009 to entilements of constitutional post holders to police bill to local government acts. In all these cases, when ever either of the houses confronted with problems or amendments, it was always backed by the cluases of Constitution of Kingdom of Bhutan.

No matter, whether it is true or not, applicable or not, every parliament member who stood up to speak quoted articles or sections of the constitution to defend his or her point.

When the Cabinet Ministers did not turn up for the question session at the National Council, the council members qouting the articles and sections of the consitution to say that it is mentioned in the constitution. Therefore, the cabinet ministers have violated the constitution by not coming for the question session.

At the same time, including the Prime Minister, Lyonchen JYT defended that it is not necessary for the ministers to be present for the question as per some articles of the constitution.

Even in the past, the National Council Members and the opposition party rejected the Constituency Development Grant on the pretext that it is unconstitutional.

The Thromde Act, Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdue and Gewog Yargay Tshogchung Chhathrim went an extensive review and amendent because it contravenes many artciles of the constitution.

Thus, in conclusion, the use of articles and sections of the constitution is used bit more excessive at times even for a small and minor changes and rectifications.