Bhutan’s National Council Initiates Legal Reforms to Align with National Vision
On February 13, 2025, Bhutan’s National Council met to plan legal reforms to align with the national vision and Gelephu Mindfulness City. The discussions followed the Royal Address on the 117th National Day, focusing on four main themes. Dago Tsheringla emphasized the importance of consolidating and amending existing laws while introducing new regulations. The council plans to present comprehensive findings in April for prioritization of necessary legal changes.
On February 13, 2025, Bhutan’s National Council (NC) convened to strategize major legal reforms aligned with the nation’s goals and the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). This meeting followed the Royal Address during the 117th National Day, which underscored four critical themes: meritocracy and democracy, enlightened entrepreneurial bureaucracy, economic enhancement laws, and population empowerment. His Majesty emphasized that a robust legal framework is vital for maintaining order and security, pointing out that excess laws and inadequate public comprehension often hinder progress.
Dago Tsheringla, the NC’s Deputy Chairperson and Spokesperson, indicated that efforts would focus on amending, consolidating, and enacting laws based on the Royal Address. The objective is to synchronize the GMC with the broader legal systems of Bhutan within a decade. He stated, “While preparing for the summer session, NC members in their respective committees are instructed by the House to identify which laws in the country require consolidation or amendment and what new laws have to be enacted based on His Majesty’s 117th National Address.”
NC members are tasked with preparing a detailed presentation for the April House deliberations, outlining necessary legal changes and priorities. Furthermore, comprehensive discussions will be held with organizations and constitutional offices to ensure alignment of national laws with GMC. Each of NC’s five committees will manage these tasks with necessary expertise.
Additionally, the NC reviewed the GMC’s Schedule A and Schedule B laws, enacted on December 26, 2024. The GMC has integrated 18 Singaporean laws (Schedule A) and 10 Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulations (Schedule B), covering governance in company incorporation, employment, and taxation, among other areas. Notable Singaporean laws adopted include the Companies Act 1967 and the Income Tax Act 1947.
In preparation for future legal compatibility assessments, Dago Tsheringla noted a need to compare Bhutan’s laws, such as the Companies Act and Employment Act, with those of the GMC to identify necessary adjustments and enhancements.
The National Council of Bhutan is undertaking substantial legal reforms to ensure alignment with national objectives and the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. Following the guidelines set forth by the Royal Address, the focus is on enhancing legal clarity and consistency. The integration of new laws and necessary amendments is anticipated to promote social harmony, economic growth, and effective governance.
Original Source: asianews.network
