Dechen Dolkar

The tenth session of the third Parliament and the last session for the National Assembly (NA) members will commence tentatively around third week of October.

Speaker Wangchuk Namgyel said that the session is expected to be shorter. However, the duration of the session would depend on the agenda.

During the session, the NA will discuss on Annual Anti-Corruption Report of 2022, Question and Answer hours and could re-deliberate on the four Bills that NA has submitted to the National Council.

The four Bills include Biological Corridor of Bhutan 2023, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, BIMSTEC Charter, and Agreement on Movement of Traffic-in-Transit between Bangladesh and Bhutan. National Assembly discussed and passed four Bills during the last summer session.

The Speaker said that in case there is any petition from the dzongkhags, it will be also discussed.

“It is also expected to table the State of the Nation report from the Prime Minister during the Joint Session of the Parliament,” the Speaker said.

The Speaker said that during the Joint Session, it will also discuss two performance audit reports on preparedness for cybersecurity and a report on irrigation systems.

As of now, there are no money Bills to be tabled, and if it comes, the Bill could be discussed.

Last constituency visits for MPs 

The Members of Parliament (MPs) have started their constituency visits and some are already in their constituencies.

MPs should complete their constituency visits by the end of September.

The Speaker said that this constituency visit is most crucial for the MPs since it is the transactions period for 12th Plan and 13th Plan.

“MPs need to review the performance of the 12th Plan and scrutinise the budget for fiscal year 2023-24,” the Speaker said.

They also need to see what plans and projects are there in the 13th Plan for their respective constituencies.

MPs have to get approval from the Speaker before their constituency visit.

The Speaker said that MPs will also have to meet the Dzongdags in their dzongkhags before and after their constituency visit.

However, the Speaker said that some MPs directly visit their constituencies and some Dzongdags are not willing to meet the MPs citing they don’t have time.

“MPs have to submit a report to Dzongdags on their constituency visit.” Speaker said.