January 9: The National Council members say granting Constituency Development Fund to the National Assembly members is unconstitutional. Members said the Constituency Development Fund will undermine the independence of the local government and politicize it.

The National Council members said granting Constituency Development Fund to the National Assembly members will lead to corruption. They said the independence of the local government will also be jeopardized if the fund is granted. Some members said the Constituency Development Fund is not necessary when the government is facing a resource gap of more than Nu. 15 billion in the 10th five year plan.

They said other countries have faced problems after Constituency Development Fund was granted to parliamentarians. They said similar problems will arise in Bhutan.

The members also pointed out the shortcomings in the procedures of granting the fund. The National Council member from Trashigang Sonam Kinga said the development activities for which the fund it to be used have to be identified and proper planning carried out before the fund is granted.

He added that the government has not granted development fund to any individual so far. He said granting Nu. two million a year to each member is unreasonable since the size and economic condition of the constituency is not taken into consideration.

The house also saw discussions on the local government election campaign fund. The first joint sitting of the parliament last year decided not to allow the government to finance the local government election campaign. They however decided that the candidates contesting in the local government election will be allowed to campaign with their own fund as set by the Election commission of Bhutan.

The National Council members are however arguing that the local government elections will be influenced by money power if candidates are allowed to finance their own campaigns. Members said people will also be left with less choice of candidates since those who do not have money will not be able to take part in the elections even if they are capable.

Some members said we could learn from the up-coming local government elections. They said after the election the Public Election Fund Act can be reviewed if necessary.