The proposition to reintroduce vehicle quota system for Members of Parliament and civil servants is an affront to the principles of equity and fiscal responsibility.

Finance Minister Lekey Dorji has rightly opposed the proposal, emphasising its inconsistency with efforts to promote fairness and prudence. He highlighted the Pay Structure Reform Act of Bhutan 2022 as a breakthrough that ended duty-free privileges for all, creating a more just salary structure. Reversing this progress by reviving vehicle quotas undermines the very spirit of these reforms and risks reversing hard-won gains in fiscal discipline.

The origins of the vehicle quota system lie in the 1980s, or even before, a time when public transportation was scarce in the country and personal vehicles were a rarity. The system was introduced to incentivise civil servants to import vehicles when reliable transportation was limited, and the need for such a scheme made sense then. That reality no longer holds true. With improved infrastructure, wider vehicle ownership, and better access to public transportation, the quota system has outlived its purpose. Clinging on to it now serves only as a holdover of privilege that no longer aligns with the nation’s current priorities.

Beyond its redundancy, the quota system is emblematic of a widening chasm between the country’s affluent and the struggling. When the average Bhutanese citizen grapples with rising inflation, increasing costs of living, and limited income opportunities, granting duty-free privileges to lawmakers and already better-paid civil servants sends a deeply troubling signal. At a time when fiscal prudence is paramount and national resources scarce, the proposal to reinstate such benefits reeks of entitlement and pure greed—it fosters the perception that those in power prioritise their own comforts over the pressing needs of the nation and public.

The issue extends beyond mere economics. Bhutan has been striving to promote equity and inclusivity in its public policy. The vehicle quota system, however, does the exact opposite—it accentuates inequality. Lawmakers and civil servants who already enjoy competitive salaries and allowances are further enriched by such perks, while ordinary citizens continue to struggle with rising day-to-day expenses. This not only undermines public trust but also contradicts with Bhutan’s national narrative of shared growth and collective responsibility.

Moreover, this move is at odds with Bhutan’s broader development priorities. Sustainability and self-reliance have been the cornerstones of the country’s policy framework in recent years. Encouraging vehicle imports through quotas adds pressure on foreign reserves and increases reliance on fossil fuels, running counter to environmental goals, especially when one quota brings in two vehicles. While we advocate for modesty and conservation on global platforms, reinstating privileges like duty-free quotas sends a hypocritical message.

For the sake of fairness and equity, there is a need for us to understand that they demand a simple solution: either extend vehicle quotas to all Bhutanese, or abolish them entirely. In today’s context, the latter is the only sensible course of action. Why reinstate a scheme that benefits a select few at a time when the nation is striving for inclusivity and fiscal responsibility? Lawmakers, as stewards of public trust, must lead by example. Sacrifices made at the top inspire confidence at the grassroots.

The vehicle quota system is an anachronism that has no place in our modern society. Its removal would not only uphold the principles of equity and fairness but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to sustainable development. Letting go of the privileges that have outlived their time is not a loss; it is a step toward a more inclusive and resilient society

Anything less is a betrayal of the people’s trust, and that is a price the nation cannot afford.