January 6: The National Assembly today discussed overtime payment for custom officials and the status of industrial development in Gelephu, Samtse and Samdrupjongkhar.

The issue was raised by the National Assembly member from Bongo-Chapcha Ugay Tshering. He said there is a need to make overtime payments to custom officials.

Ugay Tshering said customs officials work over time including weekends. He said they should be paid overtime or given some sort of compensation.

The Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu said the ministry is aware of the working conditions of the custom officials. He said they are paid overtime service fee of Nu. 350 per hour and documentation fee of Nu. 50 per document.

The Member of Parliament from Gelephu Prem Kumar Gurung asked the Economic Affairs Minister for clarifications on the status of industrial development area in Gelephu and Samtse in the 10th plan.

The Economic Affairs Minster Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said there is definitely going to be industrial development in three southern towns of Gelephu, Samtse and Samdrupjongkhar.

The government has committed more than Nu. 7,000 million for the development of these three industrial areas.