July 29: The joint sitting of the parliament yesterday decided to waive off the sitting fees for the parliamentarians. However, they decided to provide a lump sum amount of Nu. 6,000 per month as fuel and maintenance allowance. They will also be entitled to a driver’s allowance.

The issue was discussed extensively with some of the members arguing that parliamentarians should be given sitting fees for attending the parliament session while others said it is not necessary.

After extensive discussions and debate, it was decided that parliamentarians will not be entitled to sitting fees.

Earlier the National Assembly decided that the sitting fee should be waived off but National Council said the sitting fee should be provided.


On the driver’s allowance, the National Assembly decided that the parliamentarians should be given a driver’s allowance. The National Council was divided on the issue.

Re-discussing the issue in the parliament in the afternoon, the Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu said the parliamentarians could be given Nu. 6,000 as fuel, maintenance, and driver’s allowance.

The parliament finally decided that the parliamentarians will be given Nu. 6,000 per month as maintenance and fuel allowance. They will also be provided a separate driver’s allowance.

The Parliament session which began on May 8 will conclude today.