Annual Report (2015-2016)

ANNUAL REPORT (2015-2016)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT THIMPHU : BHUTAN

Published by National Assembly of Bhutan POST BOX NO. 139, GYELYONG TSHOKHANG, TIMPHU : BHUTAN PABX : +975-2-322729/322793 FAX: +975-2-324210 Website: www.nab.gov.bt

ISBN : 978-99936-27-27-2 His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck

Foreword

Bhutan has transitioned from an absolute Monarchy to a Constitutional Democratic Monarchy in a manner that would envy many champions of democracy. The emergence and the progress of Bhutanese democracy have been manifested under the wise and vibrant leadership of our successive monarchs culminating in the enactment of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan in 2008. In May 2008, during the historic first session of Parliament, His Majesty the King said “The highest achievement of one hundred years of Monarchy has been the constant nurturing of Democracy. As you, the members of Parliament, begin to shoulder the immense powers and responsibilities as representatives of the people, you have the responsibility of setting the right examples, laying strong foundations and promoting the best practices of democracy. As long as you work to serve the country and the people, you have our full support. If you falter in your service to the nation, then the duty to counsel you also rests with the people and the King”.

The last eight and half years of Bhutanese democracy has been very fruitful. His Maj- esty during the closing ceremony of the Seventh Session of Second Parliament said “As we carry out the immensely important duties related to nation building it is my personal observation over the years that our parliamentarians have carried out their responsibilities dutifully and well”. Democracy has been a tool with utmost duty of promoting peace, happiness and wellbeing of the Bhutanese people through the enactment of good laws. Therefore, democracy has been promoting rights to understand the views, concerns, and the ground realities of our people, for the welfare of national development activities and policies for successful lawmaking. It has ensured to keep us informed and promote assurance that the rights and duties of the people are re- flected adequately in all decisions of national importance. His Majesty underlined that “the king, country, and people of Bhutan have common aspiration for democracy - a democracy with rule of law, democracy with unity, democracy with integrity, democracy with talent and meritocracy, democracy that is responsible, and democracy that serves”. The first and the second parliaments have enacted 35 laws, amended 14, repealed 18, and ratified 25 international conventions since its transition to the parliamentary democracy. It is imperative that with the understanding of the democracy and the processes, parliamentarians are devoted to ensure that a strong system of check and balance exists in the sphere of country’s wellbeing in all times.

The Annual Report of the National Assembly 2015-16 is the first ever of its kind since the start of Parliamentary Democracy in 2008. In addition to being a maiden report, the National Assembly is greatly honored in bringing it out as Bhutan celebrate ten years of His Majesty’s reign and auspicious birth of His Royal Highness the Gyalsey. The report signifies the one year achievement of the National Assembly in line with the Second Parliament’s Strategic Development Plan of 2014-18.

In everything we do, we recognize that the lawmakers should be responsible in the manner and in a spirit that will strengthen the roots of democracy ensuring a promising tomorrow. As this report underscores, the National Assembly strongly commits to effectively carry out legislative, scrutiny, oversight and representational functions to fulfill the aspirations of the Bhutanese people.

Lastly, on behalf of the Members of the Parliament, I would like to extend our appreciation to the Secretariat of the National Assembly for documenting and bringing out this Annual Report of the National Assembly. We would also like to record our thanks to the Government, Agencies and other relevant organizations for their invaluable support to the National Assembly. As we embark on publication of the annual report, we would like to reassure that the achievements of the National Assembly shall always resonate the vision and aspirations of His Majesty the King and the people of Bhutan.

Tashi Delek

(Jigme Zangpo) Tshogpon Table of Contents

1. Introduction...... 1 2. Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the National Assembly...... 2 2.1 Human Resource Requirement and Capacity Improvement...... 2 2.2 Strengthening Management of the Secretariat...... 2 2.2.1 Improvement in security system...... 3 2.2.2 Public addressing system...... 3 2.3 Enhancing Collaborations with International Parliamentary Institutions...... 3 2.3.1 Delegation to International Parliamentary Union...... 3 2.3.2 Membership to Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD)...... 4 2.3.3 Delegation to Indian Parliament...... 5 2.3.4 Delegation to Parliament of Bangladesh...... 6 2.3.5 Visit by Foreign delegations ...... 7 2.4 Professional Development Training for MPs and Staff...... 7 2.5 Dedicated Staff Support to Individual Members...... 9 3. Enhance Oversight Capacity of Members...... 9 3.1 Strengthening the Parliamentary Standing Committees for Oversight Role...... 9 3.1.1 Parliamentary Committee System Development...... 9 3.1.2 Deployment of additional committee secretaries...... 10 3.1.3 Enhancing financial oversight capacity ...... 10 3.2 Strengthening Research and Analysis Capacity...... 11 3.3 Visit to Punatshangchu Hydropower Projects I and II...... 11 4. Improving Legislative Capacity and Processes ...... 12 4.1 Rules of Procedure Reviewed...... 12 4.2 Strengthening legislative Capacity of Members and Staff ...... 12 4.3 Parliamentary Committee Meetings Conducted...... 13 4.4 National Assembly Sessions Completed...... 14 4.5 Laws Enacted, Amended, Repealed and Ratified...... 15

i 5. Strengthening the National Assembly’s Representation and Outreach Capacity...... 16 5.1 Creating a culture of Informed Public Discussion in Legislative Process...... 16 5.1.1 Visit to Constituencies...... 16 5.1.2 Virtual Zomdu through Video-conferencing facility...... 17 5.1.3 Establishment of an Independent Radio and TV Station...... 18 5.1.4 Documentary film on Bhutan’s Journey to Democracy ...... 18 5.1.5 Legislative Journal...... 18 5.2 Liaising with Media to Represent Constituents...... 19 5.2.1 Media Skills Development training for Members...... 19 5.3 Youth Education and Engagement ...... 20 6. Overview of Budget Utilization...... 20 7. Challenges...... 21 8. Conclusion...... 21

ii List of Figure

1 Frequency of Meetings Conducted by Each Standing Committee...... 14 2 Duration and Frequency of visits to Constituency by Members...... 16

List of Annexure

1 List of staff of National Assembly Secretariat in 2015-16...... 22 2 Foreign delegation received by National Assembly...... 24 3 Ex-Country travels made by Members...... 26 4 Ex-Country travels made by Secretariat staff...... 33 5 Terms of Reference of Assistant Research Officers...... 36 6 List of Serving Members of National Assembly by Constituency...... 37 7 The overall budget and expenditure for 2015-16...... 39

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National Assembly of Bhutan: Annual Report 2015-2016

1. Introduction its five-year Strategic Development Plan Since its historic introduction in 2008, (2014-2018). democracy in Bhutan has been making The National Assembly Secretariat a steadfast progress and taking deeper plays a pivotal role in ensuring the roots. It continues to exude great promise effective delivery of the functions of to meet the hopes and aspirations of the National Assembly as enshrined in the people. Democracy and its principles are Constitution and the National Assembly the bedrock of Bhutan’s good governance Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Indeed, and the harbinger of a bright and a how effectively the Assembly Members promising future. The evolution and play their legislative, oversight and culmination of democratization in Bhutan representational roles will depend hugely represent the ideals and vision of the on the level and quality of support extraordinary leadership Bhutan enjoyed services provided by the Assembly for generations. In the words of His Secretariat. The quality of Parliamentary Majesty the Druk Gyalpo, “Democracy proceedings will determine the future is not about politics alone. Democracy is of Bhutan’s democracy as the National inherently about values and principles. If Assembly is the most important we want our democratic system to work, institutions of parliamentary democracy …we must adopt the ideals of democracy, in our country. the principles of democracy.” As an important parliamentary institution, the The annual work plan for 2015-16 National Assembly is an embodiment was based on the National Assembly’s of Bhutan’s democratic governance. It Strategic Plan. The strategic plan commits to strengthening democratic contains four strategic objectives. A culture and values that befit and manifest number of activities were implemented our nation’s development philosophy to realize these objectives. Therefore, the of Gross National Happiness. To guide Annual Report documents the progress and support the efforts of the National made under each of these objectives for Assembly and to fulfill its mandates in the reporting period from July 2015 to serving the people of Bhutan, it developed June 2016. 1 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16

2. Objective 1: Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the National Assembly

Given the immense importance and Staff development needs assessment critical role of the National Assembly was also carried out wherein 17 areas in nurturing Bhutan’s young democracy, of needs were prioritized. Seven needs one of the foremost objectives of the were addressed during the year while National Assembly Secretariat had been others are being implemented depending to strengthen both the institutional and on the availability of financial support professional capacity of its secretariat from RGoB and other donors. In the staff to ensure to provide efficient coming year, some of these needs will be and effective support to the Hon’ble materialized through the Government of Members of Parliament in discharge of India (GoI) funding to RCSC for human their sacred duties. Towards this, the resources development in the 11th FYP. following activities were carried out during the financial year. 2.2 Strengthening the management

of the Secretariat 2.1 Human resource requirement To strengthen the Secretariat, its and capacity improvement organizational structure was reviewed High quality human resource is critical for and four divisions were streamlined any institution. An in-house assessment and formed viz.: a) Legislative and of staff requirement for the Secretariat Procedural Division, b) Research and was conducted and submitted to the Royal Hansard Division, c) Information Civil Service Commission (RCSC). and Communication Division, and d) The RCSC upon the organizational Secretariat Services Division. Similarly, development (OD) exercise approved Sections under each Division were nine additional Committee Secretaries. defined along with clear job descriptions. Three have already joined the secretariat

while the remaining will be provided Following the RCSC’s OD exercise and by December 2016. The current staff the Annual Performance Agreement strength of the Secretariat stands at 64 as (APA) initiatives of the government, in Annexure I. the Secretariat has embarked on the

2 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 development of Secretariat Annual Plans 2.2.2 Public addressing system derived from the Strategic Development The old public addressing system in the Plan of the National Assembly 2014- National Assembly Conference Hall, 2018, Division Annual Plans and which was installed some 20 years Individual Work Plans. back had outlived its life and needed

replacement. Thus a new set of public The staffs under the divisions are being addressing system was bought and geared to provide specialized functions installed in the hall at a cost of Nu.2.415 rather than generic services. million. This system is expected to 2.2.1 Improvement in security system provide improved services to all the To improve the security inspection system agencies using the hall for around next of the National Assembly building, the 30 years. Secretariat has supported the procurement of a set of handheld X-Ray Scanner machine and fire- fighting equipment with accessories for the Security Wing of the Royal Bhutan Police at a cost of Nu.1.694 million. The use of the machines is expected to speed up the process as well as enhance the security checking system thereby being able to provide high quality security services to the Members and the 2.3 Enhancing Collaborations Parliament Building. with International Parliamentary

Institutions 2.3.1 Delegation to International Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly The Parliament of Bhutan became a full fledged member of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 2013. Ever since then the Parliament has been regularly attending the IPU Assembly 3 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 which is being held twice in a year. The to youth”. In all the countries around the 133rd IPU Assembly held in Geneva world, the peoples’ desire to be governed (Switzerland) from October 17-21, democratically is seen very strong while 2015 was attended by an eight-member conversely public confidence in the delegation led by the Chairperson of the institutions of democracy is observed to National Council, Dasho (Dr.) Sonam be generally low. Turnout in elections Kinga. The Assembly hosted a general also shows a global decrease over time, debate on the theme “The moral and particularly among young people. The economic imperative for fairer, smarter general debate highlighted the need for and more humane migration” while more engagement of youth in democratic the Standing Committee debated on processes. “Democracy in the digital era and the threat to privacy and individual freedom”.

2.3.2 Membership to Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) The 134th IPU Assembly was held in Institutional collaboration with regional Lusaka, Zambia from 20-23 March and international parliaments is a necessity 2016 was participated by a seven- in democracy. The National Assembly member parliamentary delegation led by based on its resolution of the 5th Session Tshogpon Jigme Zangpo of the National became a full- fledged member of the Assembly. Apart from the Assembly’s Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Standing Committee Reports, the Population and Development (AFPPD) 134th Assembly debated on the theme during the 11th AFPPD General “Rejuvenating democracy, giving voice 4 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16

Assembly held in Bangkok from 10- in Delhi and Jaipur, Rajasthan where 11 October 2015. Accordingly, seven the delegation had an audience with the Members were nominated as members Governor, Chief Minister and the Speaker to the AFPPD. Since then, the National of Rajasthan. Apart from mutual sharing Assembly has attended regular meetings of experiences and best practices, the and important workshops organized by Indo-Bhutan Parliamentary Friendship the forum to understand the dynamics of Group was reconstituted. 11 members – population and development issues. 7 from National Assembly and 4 from National Council- were nominated to the Parliamentary Friendship Group. From the Indian Parliament, a total of 24 members – 18 from Lok Sabha and 6 from Rajya Sabha- were identified to be in the Friendship Group.

2.3.3 Delegation to Indian Parliament A joint parliamentary delegation of ten members led by Tshogpon Jigme Zangpo visited the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in Similarly, the Public Accounts Committee India on the joint invitation of the Speaker of Parliament of Bhutan led by its of Lok Sabha, Her Excellency, Shrimati Chairman Honorable Pema Dakpa visited Sumitra Mahajan and the Vice President its counterpart PAC of Parliament of and Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, Shri India, Comptroller and Auditor General Mohammad Hamid Ansari. The Chairman (C&AG) of India and the Office of PAC of the National Council, Dasho (Dr.) of State Legislative Assembly of Gujarat Sonam Kinga was also in the delegation. (Vidhan Sabha) from 16-21 May, 2016. The delegation visited Taj Mahal in Agra The delegation was familiarized with

5 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 the working systems of PAC of India. from the Parliament of Bhutan – five from As a result of this visit, the procedures of NC and 11 from NA, and 11 members tabling of Annual Royal Audit Report to from the Parliament of Bangladesh. The the Joint Session of the Parliament was Parliamentary Association members will streamlined and adopted during the 7th identify activities that will engage the Session of the Second Parliament. members of both the Parliaments.

2.3.4. Delegation to Parliament of Bangladesh A 23-member Joint Parliamentary The Speaker also led a delegation of five Delegation from Bhutan led by Chairman participants to the South Asian Speakers of National Council, Dasho (Dr.) Sonam Summit on Achieving the Sustainable Kinga, visited Parliament of Bangladesh Development Goals held in Dhaka from on the invitation of the Honorable January 29 to February 3, 2016 organized Speaker of Bangladesh, Her Excellency, jointly by the Parliament of Bangladesh Dr. Shirin S. Chaudhury. During a week- and the IPU. On the sidelines of the long visit from 25-31 December 2015, Conference, the Hon Speaker Jigme the delegation called on the President, Zangpo and the delegates called on the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister President, Prime Minister, and Foreign of Government of Bangladesh and made Minister of Government of Bangladesh site visits to important Buddhist temples. and the Speaker and Chair of the Public The visit resulted in revival of Bhutan Accounts Committee of Parliament of – Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Bangladesh. The delegation was not Association with 16 members nominated only enriched by the substantive matters

6 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 of the Summit but was also able to 2.4 Professional development strengthen the existing ties of close bond training for MPs and Secretariat and friendship with Peoples Republic of staff Bangladesh. A total of 58 National Assembly Members participated in the ex-country workshops and conferences spread in over 15 countries. On an average, 31 members have travelled around two times each in a year. The training subjects ranged from democracy, anti-corruption, sustainable development, child marriage, advocacy, population and development, 2.3.5 Foreign Delegation received by the gender, climate change, reproductive National Assembly and sexual health, WTO, etc. Out of 58, The National Assembly received 22 four travels were made by two women delegations from various international parliamentarians and of 58 trips, the organizations in the FY 2015-2016. The cost of 32 travels was borne fully by height of the international visits to the the organizers while RGoB supported National Assembly was the visit of the 26 travels partially or fully with total President of Bangladesh, H.E Abdul expenditure of Nu.5.703 million. Hamid from July 1-4, 2016 and his Further, tailored-made professional historic address to the Joint Sitting of development training on Leadership the Parliament of Bhutan. The details are Program for Parliamentarians (LPP) attached in the Annexure II. was organized in the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS) in Phuntsholing for two weeks in January 2016 for the Members of Parliament. The program provided a perfect platform for discussions on important national goals and challenges, create awareness on human values and to impart some critical 7 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 skills needed for effective leadership and Two staff, one each from the National governance besides fostering close cross- Assembly and National Council, attended political party working relationship. Few a month long Fellowship Programme Members also attended the Social Policy with the Parliamentary Centre of Canada course at Sherubtse College organised by from September 9-25, 2015. The main the UNICEF and the Royal University of focus was to familiarize and educate Bhutan. on the supporting roles provided by the Secretariat to the Members of Parliament, Committees and Parliament itself. The programme provided practical information on the functioning of the administration of the Parliament of Canada at the Federal level and the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick at the Provincial level. The staff were exposed on Hansard, Research Support, Likewise, 20 secretariat staff made Committee Services, Legislative ex-country travels to attend trainings, and Legal support, and IT support workshops and conferences. The staff services. The experiences of Fellowship have been attending the Parliamentary programme have been documented in the Internship Program and Legislative form of a report submitted by the fellows. Drafting Training annually at the The report also makes recommendations Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and on measures for possible incorporation Training (BPST), Lok Sabha funded by in the Bhutanese Parliamentary System, Government of India. The list of seminars which will be taken up in the succeeding and meetings attended by Members of years. The Fellowship programme National Assembly and Secretariat staff was arranged under the project “Inter- is attached under Annexures III and IV, parliamentary Cooperation for Capacity respectively. Development for NA and NC of Bhutan” funded by Government of Norway through International IDEA.

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Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), a total of 34 graduates with Bachelor’s Degree have been selected and appointed as Assistant Research Officers (ARO) to the Members on contract basis. The AROs are expected to provide secretarial and research support to individual members. These staffs are appointed over and above the staff support provided to Members from the Secretariat. The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the AROs is 2.5 Dedicated staff support to attached in Annexure V. individual Members To enable the Members to function to their full capacity, in consultation with the

3. Objective 2: Enhance Oversight Capacity of National Assembly

3.1 Strengthening the Parliamentary adequately supported the functioning of Standing Committees for Oversight the Committees. The consultant reviewed Role the Parliamentary Standing Committees 3.1.1 Parliament Committee System and its roles and responsibilities. The Development consultancy service was made available Underpinning the important role played through the financial support from the by Committees in oversight functions UNDP. of Parliament, an external consultant The review revealed that there were was fielded for 20 days in October adequate provisions in the Act and the and November 2015 to look into the Rules enabling Committee functions Parliament’s Committee System. The and also underscored that some of the review was conducted mainly to assess international best practices of committee if the existing National Assembly Act functioning were already incorporated 2008 and its Rules of Procedure (RoP)

9 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 in the existing laws. Nonetheless, report (PAC) and the Finance Committee of underlined that the Committees have the Parliament by reviewing the Annual failed to engage themselves in self- Financial and Performance Audit Reports initiated inquiries other than assigned of the RAA and the National Budget by the House. The report made 20 Report of MoF. During this reporting recommendations for parliament’s period, PAC has reviewed audit reports consideration for further improvement covering period 2009 to 2014, while the of the Committee works. The report has Finance committee has scrutinized the been submitted to the House Committee annual budget 2016-17. and it is under review. Some of the In order for the Members and staff to recommendations will be implemented effectively discharge their oversight roles, in the following year. The report is a training on government budget, budget separately documented and is available cycle, budget policies and financial in the Secretariat library. management was organized with the 3.1.2 Deployment of additional technical support from the Ministry of committee secretaries Finance. As stated earlier, recognizing the importance of dedicated committee Further, as Committees employ public secretaries for the Committees, the hearing method in their committee inquiry, RCSC has approved recruitment of nine a Public Hearing Manual was developed law graduates to the post of committee and the Members and staff were trained secretaries. Once appointment is on the processes of Public Hearing. The completed, it is expected that oversight main objective of developing the manual support of the committees will be greatly was to bring clarity and uniformity in the strengthened. conduct of Public Hearing. This output was achieved through the technical input 3.1.3 Enhancing financial oversight of a consultancy financed by UNDP capacity of members and secretariat staff under Good Governance Project. The financial oversight is conducted mainly by the Public Accounts Committee

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3.2 Strengthening research and and legislative advice; and analysis capacity of staff ● Committee staff/secretaries as Staff capacity development in research procedural administrators and and analysis is crucial to provide effective advisors. support to Members to conduct their At the end of the training, a debriefing oversight functions. A month-long hands- presentation was organized for the on legislative research mentoring training members where the group endorsed the was organized for the secretariat staff structure of committee report and its from March 28 to April 28, 2016. The template. It was agreed that the template International IDEA Office in Myanmar would be adopted across committees as conducted the Research mentoring a reporting structure. The training report training. Seven Staffs from Legislative submitted by the trainer is documented and Procedural Division, and Legislative separately by the secretariat. Research and Hansard Services Division were mentored. 3.3 Visit to Punatshangchu The mentoring programme among others Hydropower Projects I and II covered the following important areas: A two-day field visit was made by ● Producing independent, unbiased the members to familiarize and assess research briefs; the progress of the Punatshangchu ● Producing research briefs and Hydropower Projects I and II, in legislation analysis for MPs and Wangduephodrang, and held discussions Committees; with the project staffs. The visit gave ● Structuring of a committee report firsthand opportunity to the Members and template; to review and understand the status and ● Producing a Bills Digest and issues confronting the project. The visit template; was made as a part of a field trip during the ● Producing a research brief and 6th Session of the Assembly. 57 members template; including some Cabinet Ministers and ● Referencing and sourcing; staff from the Secretariat led by Tshogpon, ● Communicating with Members; Jigme Zangpo participated in the visit. ● Providing parliamentary procedure

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The members and staff made a day-long physical labour contribution and served lunch to the project staff and workers as a gesture of appreciation and support to the project.

The members also visited the Wangdue Dzong Reconstruction Project site on December 1, 2015 to witness the progress of the re-construction project.

4. Objective 3: Improving Legislative Capacity and Processes of the National Assembly

Legislation is one of the core functions and scrutiny before it becomes a law. of the National Assembly. The institution In this context, the National Assembly is vested with the constitutional power Rules of Procedure 2014 was reviewed to initiate, amend, reject and approve wherein 35 clauses were amended and the laws of the country. Therefore, the three clauses repealed thus making it legislative mandate is central to the consistent with the National Assembly existence of the National Assembly. (Amendment) Act of Bhutan 2014. 4.1 National Assembly Rules of 4.2 Strengthening Legislative Capacity Procedure Reviewed of Members and Staff The Rules of Procedure is significant in In continuation to the Legislative the legislative process or law making. It Drafting training provided to the ensures that every draft legislation passes members and staff in the previous year, through the due processes of consultation a Legislative Drafting Manual has been 12 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 developed and published. The manual is internship program has been very useful intended to bring uniformity in the bill in improving capacity of staff. drafting structure and processes across government ministries, legal fraternities 4.3 Parliamentary Committee and individuals interested in submitting Meetings a private bill to the parliament. It was Parliamentary Committees are crucial drafted with the help of a local consultant for the successful deliberations and after which it was then reviewed by proceedings of the National Assembly. external expert to ensure incorporation Committees are microcosms of the of best international drafting practices. Assembly, and with the committees Before it was finalized, the manual was in function almost continuously, the proofread by the members and the staff. Assembly is said to be in session round the clock. The manual has been translated into Dzongkha for easy access by users and During the year, the 11 Standing is published as a single document in Committees including Public Accounts two languages. At an appropriate time, a Committee have conducted 161 meetings dissemination workshop will be organized with an average of 15 meetings per to create awareness on the manual. It committee per year. This clearly indicates was undertaken with support from the preoccupation of Members of National International IDEA under the “Bhutan Assembly. Parliamentary Support Project 2015-16” funded by Government of Norway. The number of meetings conducted by each committee is as in Figure 1. Two secretariat staff attended a month- long Parliamentary Internship Program The PAC, Human Rights, Women, offered by the Bureau of Parliamentary Children and Youth, and the Private Sector Studies and Training (BPST) of Lok and Economic Development Committees Sabha in India. It exposed the staff in the have visited several Dzongkhags and processes of passing a bill from drafting Gewogs to understand the ground till passing by the house as law in the realities better and also educate people context of Indian parliament. The above on the works of the Parliament.

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4.4 Assembly Sessions Completed Two sessions of National Assembly – 6th and 7th sessions – have been held most successfully where the proceedings of the above sessions and the debate verbatim have been transcribed, printed and documented. The resolutions have been produced in two languages - Dzongkha and English - and distributed to relevant agencies and the copies are maintained in the library of the National Assembly.

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4.5 Laws Enacted, Amended, Bills and Agreements passed and Repealed and Ratified presented to the National Council: In the FY 2015-16, seven new laws were i. Civil Aviation Bill 2015 enacted, one amended, four repealed and ii Customs Bill 2015 two conventions ratified as mentioned iii. Ratification of Motor vehicles below: Agreement for the Regulation of New laws enacted: Passenger and Cargo Vehicular i. Tenancy Act of Bhutan 2015 Traffic between Bhutan, Bangladesh, ii. Local Government (Entitlement) Act India,and Nepal of Bhutan 2015 Laws Amended: iii. Bio Safety Act of Bhutan 2015 i. Entitlement and Service Conditions iv. Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic (Amendment) Act for the Holders, Substances and Substance Abuse Act Members and Commissioners of Bhutan 2015 of Constitutional Offices of Bhutan v. The Office of Attorney General Act of 2015. Bhutan 2015 vi Companies Act of Bhutan 2016 Laws Repealed: vii. Jabmi (Amendment ) Act of Bhutan i. Tenancy Act of Bhutan 2004 2014 ii. Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Substance Abuse Act of Bhutan 2005 iii. The Office of Attorney General Act of Bhutan 2006 iv. Speaker Act 2004 International Treaties and Conventions Ratified: i. SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity) ii United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)

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5. Objective 4: Strengthening the National Assembly’s Representation and Outreach capacity

Apart from legislative and oversight 5.1 Creating a culture of informed roles, the National Assembly is mandated public discussion in legislative process to represent the people. Parliamentarians 5.1.1 Constituency visits by Members are bestowed with the will of the people Members are mandated to visit their expressed through exercising their adult constituency at least twice in a year - suffrage during the elections. It is the once in summer and another in winter responsibility of parliamentarians to -for a period of four months as per the ensure a fair, effective and an inclusive Annual plan of the National Assembly. representation of the people. Some of the The objective of the visit is obviously to activities that were carried out to enhance interact with the electorates, understand members’ outreach and representation their issues, apprise them on parliamentary function are as mentioned below: proceedings and resolutions and bring their concerns to the floor of Assembly.

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In 2015-16, all members have visited 5.1.2 Virtual Zomdu through a Video- their constituencies. The duration of conferencing facility visit ranged from 3 to 273 days and the The Virtual Zomdu (VZ) project was frequency of visit as high as 10 times. launched with the aim to enable citizens The remoter the constituency, the longer and parliamentarians to meet and interact was the duration of visit (Fig 2). It is virtually and discuss issues of concerns encouraging that members take visits via Video Conference medium. It was to their constituencies seriously. The initiated with the financial assistance serving members during the year are in from UNDP through “Strengthening Annexure VI. Institutional and Parliamentarians Capacity for Effective and Inclusive In addition, with the objective of Democratic Development” Project from creating awareness to Members of Local 2014 to 2018. It is aimed to establish the Government, Hon’ble Speaker with the facility in all 205 geogs by 2018. The senior secretariat staff have travelled to project partners are GNHC, UNDP, DLG, 20 dzongkhags where they presented the MoIC & BDBL. importance and roles and responsibilities of the Secretariat in the National Assembly. The Local Government Representatives were able to raise and discuss issues with the Speaker directly. Further, on the sidelines, Hon’ble Speaker visited schools and gave talks to more than 3000 students, in addtion to some 27,000 students in the pervious year, on the roles and functions of the parliament which hugely contributed in So far 45 Community Centres (CC) creating awareness on the functioning of representing 45 constituencies have been the parliament among students. connected with the facility. By the end of next financial year, 94 CCs will be connected with VZ facilities. 22 Members

17 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 have used the facility and interacted with an independent Television and Radio their constituents. Issues discussed during stations at the parliament building. Since the meetings were mostly similar such this undertaking entails huge resources, as farm road, drinking water, electricity, as an interim measure, an alternative telecom networks, etc. Community radio start-up study was also carried members’ feedback on the facility have out to immediately start a radio station been encouraging. It is anticipated that with the existing infrastructure in the once installation is complete, the facilities NA building. It is estimated that Nu.23 will come handy not only to members but million would be required to establish also to other sectors and policy makers radio station alone. Therefore, the radio to interact with community members and station couldn’t be started in the FY2015- vice versa without having to physically 16. However, UNDP has committed to meet one another. source fund for radio station in the next fiscal year. The feasibility study was 5.1.3 Establishment of an Independent funded by DANIDA. Radio and TV Station for the Parliament The Members of Parliament represent 5.1.4 Documentary Film on Bhutan’s their constituents and it is imperative Journey to Democracy that people know how members are The third edition of documentary film representing them, their issues and hold on the emergence of the democracy in them accountable to people. However, Bhutan with special focus on His Majesty most of the electorates are in remote the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s contributions to villages where there is no access to legislative system was produced on 11th either newspapers or television. Thus, November 2015. The documentary film the need for an independent Television was dedicated to His Majesty, the Fourth and Radio broadcasting service at the Druk Gyalpo’s extraordinary contribution Parliament was felt crucial to ensure to the legislative system of the country that constituents are kept informed of during his reign and to commemorate the discourses and dialogues taking place in 60th Birth Anniversary. the parliament hall. With this objective 5.1.5 Legislative Journal in mind, the National Assembly has Every year the National Assembly conducted a feasibility study to establish publishes a special issue of Legislative

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Journal focusing on certain thematic Thus, it is also crucial that members are areas. Unlike in the past, this year, knowledgeable on effective use of media the Editorial Board of the Legislative to communicate to people. Journal has been established and upon its In this connection, a training was formation, the Board has published Terms conducted for the Members of Parliament of References for both the Editorial Board on Media Skills from 26-27 October and the contributors for the Journal. The 2015 –learning to craft and deliver key Board also took the initiative to change messages, facing and handling media the size and outlook of the Journal. As the person particularly on a Talk Show. invitation for contribution is being sent to The training was imparted by a global wide range of expertise and institutions, communication expert who was fielded the special issue of 2016 will be published by International IDEA under the “Bhutan by December 2016. Parliamentary Support Project” funded by Government of Norway. The course

covered key skills how to prepare for interview and tackle the media, dos and don’ts on a Talk Show, overcoming media shyness, and learning to deliver key messages. In total, 16 members of parliament, Secretary General, and Director attended the training and a training report was documented separately

and is available in the secretariat library. 5.2 Liaising with the Media to In continuation to the training, a series of Represent Constituents ten TV and Radio live Talk Shows each 5.2.1 Media skills training for members with Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) Broadcast media is a necessary medium Television and Radio were organized for Members to reach out to their to create awareness on parliamentary constituents on the representation role democracy where members deployed they play as mandated by Constitution. their skills acquired in the training.

19 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16

5.3 Youth Education and Engagement These students in turn educated their A Parliamentary Role play was conducted friends in schools by playing the roles in three Higher Secondary Schools of Parliamentarians and simulating namely, Chukha High School, Shari the process of debate in the Assembly. High School and Samtengang Central Students were made well aware of the School. The democracy club members Parliamentary system and legislative of these schools were made aware on the process as a whole. law making procedures of our country.

6. Overview of Budget Utilization Status for the FY 2015-16

The total budget utilization for FY 2015- Nu. 105.479 million and capital budget 16 was 99.63 % leading to only 0.37% of to Nu. 5.986 million. There was decrease surrendered budget. in overall current budget compared to The initial overall approved budget the approved current budget, which for the Financial Year FY 2015-16 for was due to effect of re-appropriation National Assembly was Nu. 107.975 from the overall savings of the current million constituting current budget of Nu. budget to capital budget for procuring 106.13million and capital budget of Nu. of a public addressing system for the 1.845 million. However, towards the end National Assembly Conference Hall and of Financial Year, there was an increase other miscellaneous procurement. The of overall budget by 11% amounting to detail breakdown of expenditure is in Nu. 111.465 million - current budget to Annexure VII. 20 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16

In addition to RGoB budget allocation, the IDEA for Media Skills training, Talk the National Assembly was able to garner show, Legislative Drafting Manual, and small projects supports from various Legislative Research Mentoring training, agencies. A total of Nu. 9.668 million a sum of Nu.5.046 million (equivalent to contribution was mobilized during the 71,074 Euros) was received in the form of reporting period. Out of this, UNDP technical assistance. UNICEF supported contributed Nu.2.622 million from Nu.2.0 million for purchase of basic support to RGoB on Good Governance office furniture and laptop computers for Project which covered technical the 34 newly recruited Assistant Research assistance support to development Officers who are attached with Members of Public Hearing Manual and SDG to support them in their research work. sensitization workshop. Further, through

7. Challenges There were no major challenges Extraordinary Leave of seven senior staff encountered during the reporting period with long experience and capability from except in overcoming the gap left the system. The three divisions of the behind by resignation or transfer or on Secretariat still do not have Chiefs.

8. Conclusion In summary, the reporting year came to a coming years. successful end. The Secretariat managed From the total revised budget of to complete most of the planned activities Nu.111.465 mn, the total expenditure as envisaged in the Strategic Development was Nu.105.25 mn leading to financial Plan of the National Assembly. The two achievement of 99.63%. The capital Assembly sessions -6th and 7th - were expenditure accounted for 5.37% of the conducted successfully and 13 laws have total expenditure only. The annual budget been passed. increase was 11%. In terms of human resources, with the approval of nine additional staff as The National Assembly Secretariat would Committee Secretaries and 34 Assistant like to extend our gratitude to all our Research Officers for the Members, the partners who have assisted us to achieve manpower situation will be on an upbeat the above outputs. state and it will yield dividend in the 21 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 Remarks Resigned in September 4, 2015 to Trashigang Transferred Dzongkhag in June 2016 April 30, 2016 Resigned in EOL Position Level EX1 B A EX2 A EX3 P2A P3A P2A P3A A P5 A P5 S2 A P5 B A P4 A P4 A P4 A P5 P5 B S1A S1A Position Title Secretary General Chief Advisor Legal Director Chief Research Officer Dy. Research Officer Sr. Chief Research Officer Dy. Research Officer Sr. Asst. Research Officer Asst. ResearchOfficer Asst. Research II V Committee Secretary Legislative Officer Committee Secretary IV Committee Secretary IV Committee V Secretary V Committee Secretary Asst. Legal II Asst. Legal II Name Dasho Sangay Duba Thogmaith Dasho Thinley Chekey Gyeltshen Norbu Wangchuk Lotey Gyeltshen Sonam Lhamo Namgay Tenzin Norbu Tshewang Phub Tshering Wangdi Ugyen Sonam Choki Sonam Delek Sonam Tshering Kanjur Wangmo Pem Zam Karma Drupchu Jigme Tenzin Dorji Tshering Sl.# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Annexure- I. Staff list of National Assembly Secretariat in 2015-2016 Assembly Secretariat I. Staff list of National Annexure-

22 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 EOL S1A S1A S1A P3A A P5 A SS4 S1A S4A A S5 P4A A P3 P4A A P5 P5 B A SS4 S1A S2A S3A S4A S4A A S5 A S5 Legal Asst. Legal II Asst. Legal II Asst. Legal II Officer ICT Sr. Asst. Info. & Media Officer Associate III Technical ICT Sr. Technical ICT Associate I II Technician III Technician Admin. Officer Accounts Sr. Officer HRO Personal Secretary II Personal Secretary III Accounts Asst. III Store Keeper IV Sr. V Asst. Personal Sr. Asst. I Personal Personal Asst. II Assistant II Admin. Admin. Asst. III Asst. III (OL) Personal Tashi Rabtan Tashi Chimi Lhaden Kinzang Choden Dem Tashi Sonam Tobgay Sampa Dhendup Singay Tshering Kinley Tshering Wangdi Sherab Tenzin Norbu Yeshi Sonam Wangmo Kuenzang Wangmo Dorji Tshering Kunzang Dema Dorji Karma Dema Tshering Thinley Dema Dhendup Pem Kencho Dema Jamyang Palden 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

23 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 Resigned in October 1, 2015 Resigned in December 31, 2015 Resigned in March 31, 2016 Resigned in October 12, 2015 Resigned in October 29, 2015 S5 A S5 S5A S5A S5A S5B A O2 O1A O1A A O2 O3A A O3 A O4 A O4 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Personal Asst. III (Director) Personal Asst. III Admin. Asst. III Admin. Admin. Asst. III Asst. Record III Receptionist II Dispatcher Sr. Driver Driver I Driver II Driver II Driver III Driver III Messenger Messenger Messenger Messenger Messenger Messenger Sweeper Sweeper Sweeper N.Guard Sungkhop Kinzang Wangmo Namgay Pem Norbu Tashi Wangdi Tashi Jigme Zangmo Choki Dema Sonam Tshering Pema Dorji Sonam Tshering Choki Dorji Karma Dhendup Ngawang Dorji Ugyen Lhendup Dorji Tashi Dorji Tshokey Kencho Wangmo Ugyen Choden Menu Lama Moktan Pema Choki Ugyen Dolma Deki Tenzin Sonam Choden Lobzang Dorji Lopen Rinzin 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

24 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 Nos. of members 7 5 7 6 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 4 Resigned in October 1, 2015 Resigned in December 31, 2015 Resigned in March 31, 2016 Resigned in October 12, 2015 Resigned in October 29, 2015 Date 18 June 2015 19 June 2015 29 June 2015 4 July 2015 6 July 2016 8 July 2015 13 July 2015 16July 2015 8 September 2015 17 November 2015 24 November 2015 27 November 2015 S5 A S5 S5A S5A S5A S5B A O2 O1A O1A A O2 O3A A O3 A O4 A O4 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA - - - - Personal Asst. III (Director) Personal Asst. III Admin. Asst. III Admin. Admin. Asst. III Asst. Record III Receptionist II Dispatcher Sr. Driver Driver I Driver II Driver II Driver III Driver III Messenger Messenger Messenger Messenger Messenger Messenger Sweeper Sweeper Sweeper N.Guard Sungkhop Delegation Ambassador - designate of Canada to Bhu Nadir Patel, H.E Mr. tan Ambassador –designate of the Socialist Thanh, Sinh Ton H.E Mr. Vietnam Republic of Appeal, Court of Justice,Thailand The President of the Court Dinh Xuan Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. Vietnamese Thao, Member of Committee on Law and President the Insti Vietnam tute for Legislative Studies of The President of the University New Brunswick (UNB), Mr. Eddy Campbell Ambassador of Czech Republic to Bhutan H.E. The outgoing Miloslav Stasek Mr. Husey to Bhutan, H.E. Mr. Turkey Ambassador of The outgoing in Muftouglu Ambassador of European Union to Bhutan, H.E. The outgoing Joao Gomez Cravinho Mr. Thailand to Bhutan, H.E. Ms. Ambassador of The outgoing Madurapochana The Director of Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy Pison Piroon, President of the Juvenile and Family Division Mr. Thailand of the Supreme Court The delegates from the European Union led by Ms. Maria Cas Action tillo Fernandez, Head of Division, European External Service Kinzang Wangmo Namgay Pem Norbu Tashi Wangdi Tashi Jigme Zangmo Choki Dema Sonam Tshering Pema Dorji Sonam Tshering Choki Dorji Karma Dhendup Ngawang Dorji Ugyen Lhendup Dorji Tashi Dorji Tshokey Kencho Wangmo Ugyen Choden Menu Lama Moktan Pema Choki Ugyen Dolma Deki Tenzin Sonam Choden Lobzang Dorji Lopen Rinzin Annexure- II. Foreign Delegation received by the National Assembly in FY 2015-2016 Assembly in FY by the National Delegation received II. Foreign Annexure- Sl. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

25 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 5 2 3 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 05 December 2015 05 December 2015 07 December 2015 15 December 2015 03 February 2016 1st March 2016 1stMarch 2016 14th March 2016 3rd May 2016 19 May 2016 - - The newly accredited Ambassador of Czech Republic to Bhutan, The newly accredited Milan Hovorka H.E. Mr. Ambassador to the new Danish Taksøe-Jensen, Peter H.E. Mr. Bhutan to Bhutan Turkey Ambassador of Devrim Ozturk, H.E. Mr. Ms. Rumbidzai, Senior Program Manager from the International Assistance (IDEA) Institute for Democracy & Electoral Ambassador of Kozlowski, the new Tomasz His Excellency Mr. the European Union Ambassador –designate of the Re Vladimir Maric, H. E. Mr. public of Serbia Ambassador of Slovenia to Bhutan Jozef Drofenik H.E. Mr. Ambassador of New Zea Ms. Christine Heather Bogle, Former land World President of the Vice Mrs. Mieko Nishimizu, the former Bank Ambassador–designate of H.E.Miss Panpimon Suwannapongse, Third Pacharapol Padermprach the Thailand accompanied by Mr. Thai Embassy in Dhaka Secretary of Royal 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

26 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 Funding RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB APA/ RGoB APA/ RGoB AFPPD 5 2 3 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 To 14.8.2015 14.8.2015 14.8.2015 14.8.2015 20.8.2015 20.8.2015 28.8.2015 From 10.8.2015 10.8.2015 10.8.2015 10.8.2015 19.8.2015 19.8.2015 27.8.2015 05 December 2015 05 December 2015 07 December 2015 15 December 2015 03 February 2016 1st March 2016 1stMarch 2016 14th March 2016 3rd May 2016 19 May 2016 - - Place New Delhi, India New Delhi, India New Delhi, India New Delhi, India Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia Bangkok, Thailand ------Purpose Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Asian Assem Parliamentary Standing Com bly (APA) mittee Meeting on Economic and Sustainable Development Affairs Asian Assem Parliamentary Standing Com bly (APA) mittee Meeting on Economic and Sustainable Development Affairs workshop on Capac Training ity Building for Parliamentar ians to conduct advocacy for post 2015 issues Designation Speaker MP MP MP MP MP MP The newly accredited Ambassador of Czech Republic to Bhutan, The newly accredited Milan Hovorka H.E. Mr. Ambassador to the new Danish Taksøe-Jensen, Peter H.E. Mr. Bhutan to Bhutan Turkey Ambassador of Devrim Ozturk, H.E. Mr. Ms. Rumbidzai, Senior Program Manager from the International Assistance (IDEA) Institute for Democracy & Electoral Ambassador of Kozlowski, the new Tomasz His Excellency Mr. the European Union Ambassador –designate of the Re Vladimir Maric, H. E. Mr. public of Serbia Ambassador of Slovenia to Bhutan Jozef Drofenik H.E. Mr. Ambassador of New Zea Ms. Christine Heather Bogle, Former land World President of the Vice Mrs. Mieko Nishimizu, the former Bank Ambassador–designate of H.E.Miss Panpimon Suwannapongse, Third Pacharapol Padermprach the Thailand accompanied by Mr. Thai Embassy in Dhaka Secretary of Royal Name Hon Jigme Zangpo Hon Wangdi Norbu Hon Pema Drukpa Yogesh Hon Tamang Hon Karma Tenzin Hon Jigme Wangchuk Hon Zangley Dukpa 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sl. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Annexure- III. . Ex-country travel list of Hon’ble Members of NAB for the FY 2015-2016 the FY III. . Ex-country travel list of Hon’ble Members NAB for Annexure- 27 Annual Report 2015-16 AFPPD RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB ARAPAC ARAPAC SEAPAC & GOPAC SEAPAC & GOPAC 28.8.2015 2.9.2015 2.9.2015 2.9.2015 2.9.2015 11.9.2015 11.9.2015 4.10.2015 8.10.2015 8.10.2015 27.8.2015 31.8.2015 31.8.2015 31.8.2015 31.8.2015 9.9.2015 9.9.2015 2.10.2015 6.10.2015 6.10.2015 - - - - Bangkok, Thailand UN Headquar York ters, New UN Headquar York ters, New UN Headquar York ters, New UN Headquar York ters, New Kathmandu, Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal Hyderabad, India Yogyakarta, Indonesia Yogyakarta, Indonesia - - - - Training workshop on Capac Training ity Building for Parliamentar ians to conduct advocacy for post 2015 issues Conference of World Fourth Speakers of Parliament Conference of World Fourth Speakers of Parliament Conference of World Fourth Speakers of Parliament Conference of World Fourth Speakers of Parliament Annual General Meeting of ARAPAC Annual General Meeting of ARAPAC Youth Asian TEDx: South Propose Solutions to Regional Challenges Sixth Global Conference of Against Parliamentarians Cor ruption Sixth Global Conference of Against Parliamentarians Cor ruption MP Speaker MP MP MP MP MP MP MP MP - Hon Dorji Wangdi Hon Jigme Zangpo Hon Khandu Wangchuk Hon Tshe wang Jurmi Hon Kuenga Hon Choida Jamtsho Hon Dophu Dukpa Hon Novin Darlami Hon Gopal Gurung Hon Karma Rangdol 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 28 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 SEAPAC SEAPAC & GOPAC AFPPD AFPPD RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB IRI/30% RGoB UN/NEC UN/NEC AFPPD 8.10.2015 11.10.2015 11.10.2015 21.10.2015 21.10.2015 21.10.2015 21.10.2015 4.11.2015 11.12.2015 11.12.2015 1.12.2015 6.10.2015 10.10.2015 10.10.2015 17.10.2015 17.10.2015 17.10.2015 17.10.2015 1.11.2015 30.11.2015 30.11.2015 30.11.2015 - - - - Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand Geneva, Swit zerland Geneva, Swit zerland Geneva, Swit zerland Geneva, Swit zerland Seoul, South Korea Paris, France Paris, France New Delhi, India ------Sixth Global Conference of Against Parliamentarians Cor ruption Assem AFPPD General 11th bly Assem AFPPD General 11th bly 133rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) 133rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) 133rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) 133rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) World Assembly of the 8th Movement for Democracy UN Climate Change Confer ence 2015 UN Climate Change Confer ence 2015 for Workshop 2nd Training Parliamentarians on Prioritiz ing ICPD in the SDGs MP Speaker MP Speaker Dy. MP MP MP MP MP MP MP Hon Nidup Zangpo Hon Jigme Zangpo Hon Wangdi Norbu Hon Chimi Dorji Yeshey Hon Zimba Hon Madan Kumar Chhetri Raj Hon Ritu Chhetri Hon Zangley Dukpa Raj Hon Ritu Chhetri Hon Rinzin Dorji Hon Karma Tenzin 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 AFPPD RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB 1.12.2015 31.12.2015 31.12.2015 31.12.2015 31.12.2015 31.12.2015 2.2.2016 2.2.2016 2.2.2016 30.11.2015 25.12.2015 25.12.2015 25.12.2015 25.12.2015 25.12.2015 30.1.2016 30.1.2016 30.1.2016 - - - New Delhi, India Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Dhaka, Ban gladesh Dhaka, Ban gladesh Dhaka, Ban gladesh ------2nd Training Workshop for Workshop 2nd Training Parliamentarians on Prioritiz ing ICPD in the SDGs Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Joint Parliamentary Delega tion Sum Asian Speakers’ South Achieving the Sus mit on tainable Development Goals (SDGs) Sum Asian Speakers’ South Achieving the Sus mit on tainable Development Goals (SDGs) Sum Asian Speakers’ South Achieving the Sus mit on tainable Development Goals (SDGs) MP MP MP MP MP MP Speaker MP MP - - Hon Tek Ba Hon Tek hadur Subba Hon Madan Kumar Chhetri Hon Kinley Om Hon Ugyen Wangdi Hon Lekey Dorji Hon Karma Rangdol Hon Jigme Zangpo Hon Zangley Dukpa Hon Rinzin Dorji (Shompang kha) 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

30 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 ------UNDP Interna tional Planned Parent hood Fed eration Interna tional Planned Parent hood Fed eration DIPD DIPD RGoB RGoB RGoB 18.2.2016 26.2.2016 26.2.2016 6.3.2016 6.3.2016 23.3.2016 23.3.2016 23.3.2016 15.2.2016 23.2.2016 23.2.2016 5.3.2016 5.3.2016 19.3.2016 19.3.2016 19.3.2016 - - - Myanmar Myanmar Myanmar Yangon, Myanmar Yangon, Myanmar Lusaka, Zam bia Lusaka, Zam bia Lusaka, Zam bia - - - - Induction programme Asia Pacific Conference 8th on Reproductive and Sex ual Health and Rights (AP CRSHR) Asia Pacific Conference 8th on Reproductive and Sex ual Health and Rights (AP CRSHR) Seminar WIP Regional Seminar WIP Regional 134th Inter Parliamentary Assembly and Union (IPU) Related Meetings 134th Inter Parliamentary Assembly and Union (IPU) Related Meetings 134th Inter Parliamentary Assembly and Union (IPU) Related Meetings MP MP MP MP MP Speaker MP MP - Hon Choida Jamtsho Hon Pelzang Wangchuk Hon Nidup Zangpo Hon Tshe wang Jurmi Hon Dechen Zangmo Hon Jigme Zangpo Hon Gopal Gurung Yogesh Hon Tamang 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

31 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 RGoB AFPPD AFPPD AFPPD AFPPD RGoB RGoB RGoB WTO 23.3.2016 23.3.2016 23.3.2016 27.4.2016 27.4.2016 21.5.2016 21.5.2016 21.5.2016 19.5.2016 19.3.2016 22.3.2016 22.3.2016 26.4.2016 26.4.2016 16.5.2016 16.5.2016 16.5.2016 17.5.2016 - Lusaka, Zam bia Kathmandu, Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal Japan Tokyo, Japan Tokyo, Delhi and Ahmadabad, Gujarat Delhi and Ahmadabad, Gujarat Delhi and Ahmadabad, Gujarat Singapore - - - - - 134th Inter Parliamentary Assembly and Union (IPU) Related Meetings South Asia Parliamentarians’ Meeting on Child Marriage South Asia Parliamentarians’ Meeting on Child Marriage G7 Global Conference of Par liamentarians on Population and Development G7 Global Conference of Par liamentarians on Population and Development Ac to Public Visit Study counts Committee of the Parliament Ac to Public Visit Study counts Committee of the Parliament Ac to Public Visit Study counts Committee of the Parliament Parliamentarian RSIS-WTO on International Workshop 2016 Trade MP MP MP Speaker MP MP MP MP MP - Hon Rinzin Jamtsho Hon Kuenga Hon Kinley Om Hon Jigme Zangpo Hon Karma Dorji Hon Dophu Dukpa Hon Choida Jamtsho Hon Karma Tenzin Hon Rinzin Dorji (Phuentshol ing) 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

32 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 - WTO Govern ment of Turkey SAIEVAC SAIEVAC 19.5.2016 29.5.2016 3.6.2016 3.6.2016 17.5.2016 27.5.2016 2.6.2016 2.6.2016 - Singapore Tur Antalya, key Kathmandu, Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal - - - RSIS-WTO Parliamentarian RSIS-WTO on International Workshop 2016 Trade Comprehensive High-level Midterm Review (MTR) on the Implementation of Action of Istanbul Programme (IPoA) for the Least Devel oped Countries Conference on Accelerating to End Child Marriage Efforts through joint action with Re gional and National Human Rights Institutions Conference on Accelerating to End Child Marriage Efforts through joint action with Re gional and National Human Rights Institutions MP MP MP MP - Hon Wangdi Hon Wangdi Norbu Ba Hon Tek hadur Subba Hon Pelzang Wangchuk Hon Dechen Zangmo 55 56 57 58

33 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 Funding RGoB RGoB RGoB ARAPAC Government of Norway RGoB RGoB GoI To 14.8.2015 14.8.2015 2.9.2015 12.9.2015 25.9.2015 11.10.2015 21.10.2015 4.12.2015 From 10.8.2015 10.8.2015 31.8.2015 9.9.2015 9.9.2015 10.10.2015 17.10.2015 5.11.2015 - - - - - Place New Delhi, India New Delhi, India UN Headquar York ters, New Kathmandu, Nepal Parliamentary Centre, Cana dian Organiza tion, Ottawa, Canada Bangkok, Thai land Geneva, Swit zerland New BPST, Delhi, India ------Purpose Joint Parliamen tary Delegation Joint Parliamen tary Delegation World Fourth Conference of Speakers of Par liament Annual Gen eral Meeting of ARAPAC Parliamentary Fellowship Pro gram AFPPD 11th Assem General bly 133rd Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parliamentary Internship Pro gram - - Designation Secretary Gen eral Committee Secretary Asst. Legal Asst. Legal Admin. Officer Info. & Media Officer Secretary Gen eral Asst. Research Officer Name Sangay Duba Karma Drupchu Dorji Tshering Rabten Tashi Sherab Tenzin Sonam Tobgay Sangay Duba Tshewang Norbu Sl. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Annexure IV. Ex-Country travel list of staff of NAS for the FY 2015-2016 the FY Ex-Country travel list of staff NAS for IV. Annexure 34 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 GoI GoI GoI GoI (TEIN*CC)/ RGoB RGoB 4.12.2015 22.1.2016 4.3.2016 4.3.2016 22.1.2016 2.2.2016 5.11.2015 4.1.2016 5.1.2016 5.1.2016 20.1.2016 30.1.2016 - - - BPST, New BPST, Delhi, India Institute of Govt. Accounts and Finance, New Delhi, India New NIIT, Delhi, India New NIIT, Delhi, India Advance Science and In Technology stitute, Philip pines Dhaka, Bangla desh - - - Parliamentary Internship Pro gram Government Accounting and Financial Man agement Diploma in Communication and English, IT Networking Diploma in Communication and English, IT Networking Advanced Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) South Asian Speakers’ Summit on Achieving the Sustainable De velopment Goals (SDGs) - - Personal Secre tary Accounts Sr. Officer Personal Asst. Admin. Asst Officer ICT Sr. Secretary Gen eral Tshering Dorji Tshering Norbu Yeshi Dema Tshering Kencho Dema Dem Tashi Sangay Duba 9 10 11 12 13 14

35 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB RGoB 2.2.2016 23.3.2016 23.3.2016 20.4.2016 21.5.2016 21.5.2016 30.1.2016 19.3.2016 19.3.2016 10.4.2016 16.5.2016 16.5.2016 - - - Dhaka, Bangla desh Lusaka, Zam bia Lusaka, Zam bia Kolkatta, India Delhi and Ahmadabad, Gujarat Delhi and Ahmadabad, Gujarat ------South Asian Speakers’ Summit on Achieving the Sustainable De velopment Goals (SDGs) 134th Inter Parliamentary As Union (IPU) sembly and Re lated Meetings 134th Inter Parliamentary As Union (IPU) sembly and Re lated Meetings Network Man agement/CCNA Training to Visit Study Accounts Public Committee of the Parliament to Visit Study Accounts Public Committee of the Parliament - - - - Personal Secre tary Secretary Gen eral Techni ICT Sr. Associate cal Techni ICT Sr. Associate cal Asst. Research Officer Asst. Legal Kuenzang Wangmo Sangay Duba Sampa Dhendup Sampa Dhendup Phub Tshering Rabten Tashi 15 16 17 18 19 20

36 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 Annexure V. Terms of Reference for Assistant Research Officers (AROs) for Members of Parliament (MPs)

As per Section 301 of the National Assembly (Amendment) Act 2014, in order to enhance the capacity and performance of the Members of Parliament (MPs) in discharging their duties and responsibilities with the highest of standards and professionalism, a Member of Parliament shall be provided with and supported by a research officer each. The Terms of Reference of Assistant Research Officers (AROs) shall be as follows:

Research and Analysis Functions 1. Carry out research and analysis works on legislation and policy issues, individually or in groups, for the Members of Parliament related to the whole gamut of their parliamentary functions;

Drafting functions 2. Draft speeches, letters, correspondences, notes, briefs, reports and other forms of information and communication;

Coordination and Liaison Functions 3. Organize and coordinate discussions, consultations, seminars, forum and public hearings both in the Parliament and their constituencies;

4. Coordinate and manage all logistics such as scheduling, organizing and managing appointments, meetings, tours and travels, and other plans and programmes;

5. Coordinate and liaison with other Members of Parliament, government ministries and agencies, both central and local governments, constituencies and other outside stakeholders;

Personal Secretary Functions 6. Familiarize and update timely the members on all parliamentary matters including Rules of Procedures and Government rules, notifications and circulars; and

7. Carry out any other tasks as may be assigned by the members from time to time.

37 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 Mobile No 17708313 17112697 17602563 77114012 17111347 17662055 17114040 17111880 17653607 17645060 77111866 17957679 17116091 17611576 17959736 17116797 17112282 77327788/17108090 Email ID kwangchuk@nab. gov.bt [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]. bt [email protected]. bt [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] jwangchuk@nab. gov.bt [email protected]. bt [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dzongkhag Paro Trashigang Lhuentse Trongsa Thimphu Pema Gatshel Thimphu Pema Gatshel Zhemgang yangtse Trashi Monggar Trashigang Sarpang Chukha Samdrup Jongkhar Punakha Wangdue Trashigang Constituency Lamgong-Wangchang Bartsham-Shongphu Gangzur-Minjey Nubi-Tangsibji North-Thimphu Nganglam South-Thimphu Khar-Yurung Panbang Bumdeling-Jamkhar Khengkhar-Weringla Radi-Sakteng Sompangkha Phuentsholing Dewathang-Gomdar Kabji-Talo Nyshio-Sephu Wamrong Name Hon. Khandu Wangchuk Norbu Hon. Wangdi Hon. Karma Rangdol Hon. Nidup Zangpo Hon. Kinga Tshering Hon. Choida Jamtsho Zimba Yeshi Hon. Hon. Zangley Dukpa Hon. Dorji Wangdi Hon.Dupthob Hon. Rinzin Jamtsho Hon.Jigme Wangchuk Hon. Rinzin Dorji Hon. Rinzin Dorji Hon. Minbo Dukpa Hon. Dophu Dukpa Hon. Kuenga Hon. Karma Tenzin Sl.No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Annexure- VI. Name of Serving Members by Constituency and Dzongkhag in 2015-16 Annexure- 38 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 77111755/17111755 17160510 17679235 17726105 77602221/17602221 17608472 17147474 17607044 17114767 17600125 17305016/77224747 17660916/77660916 17694865 17777777 17605057 17774665 [email protected] [email protected]. bt [email protected] kezangwangmo@ nab.gov.bt [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]. bt [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] pwangchuk@nab. gov.bt [email protected] Trashi Yangtse Trashi Samtse Samtse Paro Dagana Samtse Bumthang Monggar Pema Gatshel Tsirang Tsirang Sarpang Gasa Haa Samdrup Jongkhar Punakha - - Khamdang-Ramjar Ugyentse-Yoeselte Dophuchen-Tading Dogar-Shaba Drujegang-Tseza Tashicholing Chhumey-Ura Dramitse-Ngatshang Nanong-Shumar Kilkhorthang-Me derelgang Sergithang-Tsirangtoe Gelephug Khamed-Lunana Bji-Kartsho-Uesu Jomotshangkha-Mart shala Dy.Speaker Hon. Sonam D Dorjee Hon. M.K Chhetri Subba Bdr. Tek Hon. Hon. Kezang Wangmo Hon. Karma Dorji Hon. Ritu Raj Chhetri Jurmi Hon. Tshewang Wangdi Hon. Ugyen Hon. Dechen Zangmo Tamang Yogesh Hon. Hon. Novin Darlami Hon. Gopal Gurung Hon. Pema Dukpa Hon. Kinley Om Hon. Wangchuk Pelzang Hon. Chimi Dorji 19 20 21 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34.

39 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 Budget lapsed Current 0.110 0.052 0.005 0.002 0.010 0.039 Capital 0.076 3.965 0.173 0.709 0.409 0.167 0.309 Expenditure Current 22.69 72.482 1.489 1.198 1.76 0.817 0.845 Capital 0.080 4.022 0.173 0.732 0.500 0.170 0.309 Revised budget Current 22.800 72.534 1.494 1.200 1.76 0.827 0.884 Capital 0.08 0.25 0.15 0.515 0.5 0.35 Approved budget Approved Current 24.908 70.144 2.65 1.2 1.76 0.884 - - - - - Particular Secretariat service services MP Dzongkha Develop ment program In-house printing & communication Parliamentary Ex change program Maintenance of CCVT & Fire services support for UNDP NAB Accounts Public Com mittee (PAC) Parliamentary Youth Program (Procured laptop) Ver Digitization of batim (AC at Server room) Production of Docu mentary Film (BBSCL) Sl. # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Annexure- VII. The overall budget and expenditure status for the FY 2015-16. the FY status for The overall budget and expenditure VII. Annexure- 40 National Assembly Annual Report 2015-16 0.002 0.010 0.230 0.408 5.808 3.078 0.89 105.25 budget lapsed Total 5.986 3.080 0.900 105.479 111.465 1.845 3.08 1.504 106.13 107.975 Session services Committee services (%) 11 budget increased Total budget utilized (%) 99.63 Total (%) 0.37 budget surrendered Total 12 13 Budget Total