MB Subba

His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo graced the closing ceremony of the winter session of Parliament on December 25.

Submitting the motion of thanks, the health minister, the National Council (NC) Chairperson and the Opposition Leader expressed their gratitude to the Druk Gyalpo for leading, guiding, and protecting the country and people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Expressing their gratitude for the grand celebration of the 114th National Day and for the Royal address, they offered their commitments and re-dedications to serve the Tsawa-Sum to fulfil the aspirations of His Majesty the King.

They also expressed their appreciation to Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen for the compassionate support being provided to people during the pandemic.

Speaker Wangchuk Namgyel reminded members of the concerns the Druk Gyalpo has for the country and people. “I would like to request everyone to be vigilant as the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant, Omicron is causing concern in other countries,” he said.

The Speaker also expressed his gratitude to His Majesty for initiating the De-Suung programme and various skilling programmes for de-suups.

On behalf of the government, Health Minister Dechen Wangmo expressed gratitude to His Majesty for protecting the country and people during the pandemic.   

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving us,” she said.

NC Chairperson Tashi Dorji expressed gratitude to His Majesty for further strengthening the Indo-Bhutan relations by conferring the Order of The Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian recognition, on the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi.

He said that the Royal address of the National Day had reminded the institutions and individuals to give their best to achieve His Majesty’s vision. He expressed re-dedication to serve the Tsawa-Sum.

Opposition Leader Dorji Wangdi said that following the Royal address, institutions needed to re-dedicate themselves in providing skills and economic opportunities for youth and pursuit of sustainable prosperity to uplift the nation.

He said that the country was blessed to receive such sacred words of wisdom and counsel from His Majesty. He said that the Opposition Party would be fully committed to performing its role in nation-building.

The session was held from November 24 to December 25, during which several bills including a framework agreement were deliberated.

Three motions were moved and 48 oral questions raised during the question hours in the National Assembly. The questions covered issues the future of hydropower projects, youth unemployment and quality of education among other issues.

Important Bills that were passed include the Fiscal Incentives Bill 2021, the Royal Bhutan Police (Amendment) Bill and the Biodiversity Bill of Bhutan.