The Chairman of the National Institute of Information & Technology (NIIT), Mr. Rajendra S Pawar called on the Hon Speaker on 26th February, 2009. Mr. Pawar said that the Total Solution Project is basically aimed at building capacity in the field of ICT and he is personally committed to lead the Bhutanese section of leaders in building their ICT capacity....

A Swiss delegation comprising of Mr. Mario Fehr, Member of Swiss Parliament, Mrs. Astrid Romer Schneiter, City Councillor of Adliswil and other officials called on the Hon Speaker on 16th February, 2010.The Hon Speaker pointed out that Bhutan has been in a very good contact with Switzerland since 1950s and expressed his appreciation for the generous assistance provided by Helvetas. Discussing on parliamentary practices, the delegation said that many countries can learn from Bhutan's unique transition to democracy. ...

The new UNESCO Director Mr. A Parsuramen and other officials called on the Hon Speaker on 12th February, 2009. The Hon Speaker said that the Parliament is looking forward for 100% enrollment of children in schools. Discussing the tools to develop education, the officials welcomed views of the Hon Speaker and said that the best way to develop education in rural areas is to train the teachers from the community. ...

The outgoing Thai Ambassador to Bhutan, Mr. Chalermpol Thanchitt called on the Hon Speaker on 11th February, 2010. Hon Speaker thanked Ambassador Chalermpol Thanchitt for serving to the best in strengthening the relations between the two countries and congratulated for being appointed to his next diplomatic destination to Russia. Ambassador Chalermpol Thanchitt said that he was honoured, proud and enjoyed promoting friendship between Bhutan and Thailand....

Ambassador Peter N Varghese of Australia called on the Hon Speaker on 11th February, 2010. Emphasizing the friendly relations shared by the two countries, the Hon Speaker said that Bhutan is looking forward to a visit by a delegation from Australian Parliament. Ambassador Varghese pointed out that building institution is painstakingly a slow process but Bhutan had a good start with the determination of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo....

On 10th February, 2010, the Human Rights Committee of National Assembly conducted a one day workshop on human rights awaereness in the conference hall of the National Assembly. The workshop was graced by the Hon Speaker who participated with representatives from RBP, ACC and other law enforcing agencies. In his welcome address, the chairman of Human Rights Committee MP Damchoe Dorji said that 'democracy is mother of all human rights' further stating that we should be receptive to our mistakes and accessible to corrections in promoting the rights of our people....

On 8th February, 2010, Ambassador Abdul Azeez Yoosuf of Maldives called on the Hon Speaker. Ambassador Yoosuf said that Bhutan has observed a smooth political change and it was very wise of the Fourth King to bring the change. The Hon Speaker expressed his happiness to Mr. Yoosuf for being designated as the Ambassador of Maldives to Bhutan for the second time and said that the friendly relation between the two countries will be further strengthened in his tenure....

Collective merit of the people with a dynamic leadership of the King and a good Prime Minister are the trio of development was what the Hon Speaker said to the people during his constituency visit in January, 2010. He urged for unity and oneness of the people for the development and prosperity of the Nation. From the rice fields to the hills and from the flourishing towns to the impoverished hamlets, the philosophy of GNH was propagated in His Excellency's words. ...

The Hon Speaker graced the inaugural function of the second round of the Education for GNH workshop which commenced yesterday at the Paro college of Education. Besides more than 200 school principals and educationists, the Education Minister, Vice Chancellor of RUB and other officials from various agencies attended the occasion. In his welcome address, the Education Minister said that when the world was after materialism, the youngest monarch in the world choose a unique path of Gross National Happiness which is a call to the basic and authentic....

'The subjects are dearer to the King, subjects aspire for peace and since law is the foundation for peace, the Parliament is also endeavoring to legislate laws in the interest of the country for all times' said the Hon Speaker to hundreds of joyful people who gathered at the Ugyen Pelri palace ground in Paro to celebrate the 102nd National Day. The celebration, like everywhere in the country began with His Majesty the King's live address to the gathering which was followed by cultural programmes by the students of Paro Dzongkhag. ...

Today, the Fourth Session of the First Parliament concluded. The occasion was graced by His Majesty the King and Members of Parliament witnessed by the Representatives of the International Community, Defense and Government officials and the public. Expressing their gratitude, the Members thanked His Majesty the King for the noble initiatives taken towards the relief effort for disaster hit people. ...

A four member delegation led by the Secretary, Mrs. Seetha Withannarachchi from Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Sri Lanka visited the National Assembly on 8th December, 2009. The delegation called on the Hon Speaker and other officials of the Secretariat. The Hon Speaker emphasized on the close diplomatic relations between the two SAARC members and expressed hopes for more exchange programmes. ...

Today the House unanimously endorsed the Civil Service Bill of Bhutan, 2009. Before the Bill was endorsed, the House deliberated on section 64 and resolved that 'A person may be appointed on contract on competitive basis to meet specialized or short term human resources of an agency. However, exception to the section may be made in public interest by the HR committee with the special approval of the concerned Ministry'.
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