February 2: The National Pension and Provident Fund (NPPF) say the number of people retiring reached an all time high of 2,174 in 2006-2007. The NPPF attributed this to many individuals who have resigned from the government organizations and ministries to pursue political careers.

During the year, 1,507 pensioners and beneficiaries from the civil and armed forces were paid almost Nu. 29 million as pension. The NPPF also paid almost Nu. 312 million as lump sum refund from pension and provident funds.

The NPPF says due to advanced medical care and improved health facilities in the country, the life expectancy of the average Bhutanese is on the rise. For the NPPF this means pension payments to the retirees for a long period of time.

The NPPF says in 2006, the number of beneficiaries was 1,088 and today the number has reached 1,507, an increase of almost 39%.

During the year under review, the NPPF generated gross revenue of Nu. 392 million compared to Nu. 342 million during the previous year, achieving a growth of fourteen and half percent.