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The Finance Minister presented a report on establishing a division under the Department of National Properties (DNP) to manage seized goods and properties as per the resolution of the 7^th session. The Minister reported that a consultation meeting was called with all the law enforcement agencies to discuss on establishing such division.

The Minister for Labor & Human Resources presented a report on the implementation status of the resolution passed during the 7^th session of the National Assembly pertaining to possibility of increasing maternity leave outside the scope of civil service. Presenting the report, the Minister informed that the ministry has conducted research on possibility of increasing the maternity leave for women working in corporate and private sectors. He reported that the…....

The Minister for Finance today introduced the Income Tax (Repeal of certain provisions) Bill of Bhutan 2016 in the National Assembly. Introducing the Bill, the Finance Minister submitted that once the Bill is passed, interest shall no longer be applicable to fixed deposits. At the same time, he said that the amended Income Tax Bill would promote savings in the banks and benefit loan lending.

The Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill for the Financial Year 2016-17 was introduced to the House by the Minister for Finance today. He expressed that the unemployment problem was becoming a challenge for the country and thus the supplementary budget was mainly aimed to address this problem. The Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill 2016-17 amounts to the tune of Nu. 262.808 million.

1. Today, the opening ceremony of the 8^th session of the second parliament is being commenced as we celebrate ten years of our beloved His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s reign on the golden throne.His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo has always graced the opening ceremonies of the parliament despite being engaged with numerous activities of national importance. On behalf of the parliament and on my own behalf, I…....

The newly elected Member of Parliament from North Thimphu constituency, Hon’ble Tshering took the oath or affirmation of office in a ceremony held earlier this morning. The ceremony was administered by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Bhutan in accordance to Section 18 of Article 10 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Today, His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo graced the Opening Ceremony of the 8^th Session of the Second Parliament. The occasion was witnessed by Members of the Royal Family, representatives of the Central Monastic Body, senior government officials, members of the international community, students and public.

The National Assembly Secretariat is pleased to announce that Mr. Duba, former Chief Programe Officer with the Cabinet Secretariat has joined today as the new Director for the National Assembly Secretariat.

The President of Hungarian Bhutan Friendship Society Dr. Zoltan Valcsicsak called on the Hon’ble Speaker Jigme Zangpo yesterday evening. Hon’ble Speaker thanked Dr. Zoltan for founding the Hungarian Bhutan Friendship Society and extending goodwill assistance to Bhutanese visiting Hungary.

The French Ambassador to Republic of Philippines Dr. Thierry Mathou called on the Hon’ble Speaker Jigme Zangpo earlier this morning at Gyelyong Tshokhang. The Hon’ble Speaker thanked Ambassador Mathou for his research works on Bhutan and expressed that his involvement in reviving Tashi Gomang or portable altar was commendable. Ambassador Mathou was also briefed on parliamentary democracy which was flourishing in the country.       

The Parliament of Bhutan today launched the Legislative Drafting Manual at a ceremony held in the Gyelyong Tshokhang. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Speaker of the National Assembly Tshogpon Jigme Zangpo and the International IDEA’s Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Ms. Leena Rikkila Tamang. The event was attended by the officials of International IDEA, Hon’ble Members of Parliament and officials from the two Houses.

A ten member joint parliamentary delegation from the Parliament of Bhutan is currently attending the 135^th general assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union at Geneva, Switzerland which commenced from 23^rd of this month.  The theme for the 135^th general assembly is ‘Human rights abuses as precursors of conflict: Parliaments as early responders’.

Statement by Hon’ble Speaker Jigme Zangpo on Human rights abuses as precursors of conflict: Parliaments as early responders at the 135^th IPU General Assembly                    

(Geneva, Switzerland, 23-27 October 2016)

A two member delegation from INTOSAI Development Initiatives (IDI) led by Director General, Mr. Einar John Goerrissen called on the Public Accounts Committee last evening. Hon’ble Member, Pema Dakpa welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Committee.

The National Assembly of Bhutan today launched its first ever Annual Report 2015-2016 during the preliminary meeting for the 8^th session of the Second Parliament at the Gyelyong Tshokhang. The annual report was jointly launched by the Hon’ble Speaker, Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Member Yeshey Zimba of South Thimphu Constituency representing the Hon’ble Leader of Opposition party.