Question Hour Session for Group A
A total of eight questions were tabled in the Question Hour Session held today for the Ministers in Group A - seven questions for oral responses and one question for written responses. Four questions were directed to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) and three questions to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT). One question for written response was sent to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT).
The Minister for Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) was questioned on the plans to tap into our rich mineral resources and boulders and increase the export to other countries, power supply and related issues in Bongo and Getana Gewogs under Chhukha Dzongkhag, date of resuming the construction of the Kholongchu Hydroelectric Project and on the inconsistency regarding the permits for collection of non-wood forest products as per the Forest and Nature Conservation Act 2023.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) was questioned on the plans for development of Yenglag Throms, issues surrounding the property tax concession for residents of Bumthang and inclusion of the construction of road between Nanglam and Gelephu and the bypass between Kurigongri and Sherichu in the 13 FYP.
In response to the question of plans to export minerals and boulders at a larger scale to other countries, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) agreed that the Mining after Hydropower, Agriculture and Tourism is one of the highest income generating sectors contributing almost 10% of the GDP. He added that the government plans to review and streamline the procedures for export and also revise the Mines and Minerals Management Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 1995 in the next fiscal year.
A total of seven supplementary and follow-up questions were asked to the Ministers for MoIT and MoENR.
