NA postpones the Bill for thorough review amid public outcry and criticism 

Thukten Zangpo   

The National Assembly has deferred the Parliamentary Entitlements (Amendment) Bill 2024 to the summer session of next year to ensure comprehensive consultations and development of a consistent legislative framework.

The Bill had sparked public debate and outcry since its introduction. 

The chairperson of the Legislative Committee and Nyisho-Saephu MP, Kuenga, called for the deferment of the Bill  on November 28.  

He said that the MPs received numerous feedback from local government leaders, stakeholders, and public forums, which highlighted the need for a more thorough review of the pay and entitlements structure for public servants.

The country’s economic situation had sparked criticism of the Bill, with many arguing that it was an inappropriate time to revise entitlements given the current economic challenges.

MP Kuenga said that there is a need for alignment of all entitlements, addressing the inconsistencies and overlaps between the Parliamentary Entitlements Act of Bhutan 2008, the Pay Structure Reform Act 2022, and the Pay Revision Act 2023, requiring further examinations. 

He also proposed the implementation of Sections 61 and 62 of the Pay Structure Reform Act 2022, which deal with the provision of duty vehicles for MPs and associated benefits, and urged the government to ensure these sections are reviewed and applied.

The motion for deferment of the Bill was supported by the deputy chairperson of the Legislative Committee and Thrimshing-Kangpara MP, Damche Tenzin and Lingmukha-Toedwang MP, Namgay Wangchuk.

The House directed the government to provide an update on the implementation of Sections 61 and 62 of the Pay Structure Reform Act 2022 during the summer session. 

The Section 61 states that designated duty vehicles shall be maintained at existing level to position level EX3 and above including MPs until reviewed and rationalised by the government. At the same time, the Section 62 states that each MP shall be provided a designated duty vehicle or a one-time lumpsum grant for the purchase of vehicle along with the driver, and fuel and maintenance allowances.

On the option of providing a member with a lump sum amount and exemption of customs duty and sales tax for purchase of a vehicle of 2,800cc to 3,000cc, the members expressed that the existing section under the Parliamentary Entitlements (Amendment) Act 2014 to be retained, without any amendments. 

The Parliamentary Entitlements (Amendment) Bill 2024 proposed significant increases in MPs’ benefits, including enhanced allowances, well-furnished offices, equipment allowances, and a one-time lump sum for purchasing official equipment like laptops and printers. 

The Bill also introduced new provisions for bereavement expenses for the families of deceased MPs and a joining allowance for MPs when they take office.

The provision for bereavement expenses entitles the spouse or immediate dependent of a MP who dies while in office to receive an amount equivalent to three months’ salary. 

MPs expressed concerns about Section 9 of the Bill, which ensures that an MP’s salary, allowances, and benefits cannot be reduced during their term. The provision could present challenges if the Pay Commission recommends salary adjustments based on economic conditions.

A member of the legislative committee also pointed out that the previous three parliaments had benefited from entitlements such as duty vehicles and exemptions from customs and sales tax, while the current fourth Parliament has not received similar benefits.

The Committee recommended the amendments to the Parliamentary Entitlements (Amendment) Bill to resolve legislative inconsistencies, safeguard democratic institutions, and ensure MPs can effectively represent the people’s interests.

The introduction of the Pay Structure Reform Act of Bhutan 2022 and the Pay Revision Act of Bhutan 2023, both enacted by the third Parliament, has overlapped with the provisions of the Parliamentary Entitlements Act 2008, creating ambiguities in the entitlement framework.

As per Article 10 (2) of the Constitution: “Parliament shall ensure that the government safeguards the interests of the nation and fulfils the aspirations of the people through public review of policies and issues, Bills and other legislations, and scrutiny of state functions.”

Finance Minister Lekey Dorji opposed the Bill, citing Article 30 of the Constitution, which grants the government the authority to set up a Pay Commission to determine salary and benefits based on the country’s economic realities.