July 17: Members of the National Council argued that the sitting fee for parliamentarians is necessary yesterday.

On July 8, the National Assembly decided to waive off the sitting fees. The National Council member from Trashigang, Sonam Kinga said the justifications provided by the National Assembly members to drop the sitting fees is unacceptable.

He said although in the past members had to travel to Thimphu to attend the Assembly Sessions, they were provided travel and daily allowance. He said the other justification provided by the National Assembly members that the present members are based in the capital is illogical.

Sonam Kinga said it is true that the parliamentarians are paid to attend the parliamentary sessions. But he said the present parliamentarians have additional works of researching, attending committee meetings and making visits to their constituency.

The National Council member from Thimphu Sangay Zam said section 17 of the entitlement bill for parliamentarians on the sitting fee should be kept as it is. She said paying sitting fees to the parliamentarians do not contradict with the Constitution or any other law.

Her submission was supported by the National Council member from Trongsa Dr. Jagar Dorji. He said the drafting committee may have given the provision for sitting fee considering the responsibilities of the members.

The National Council members Karma Damcho Ngidup, Tashi Wangmo and Karma Yezer Redi however said the sitting fee is not necessary.

Karma Damcho Ngidup said it is the job of the parliamentarians to attend the parliamentary sessions.

Tashi Wangmo expressed concerns that the sessions could get prolonged for the sake of sitting fees. Meanwhile, the National Council member from Pemagatshel, Jigme Rinzin said sitting fees should be considered for the regular parliament sessions and not the committee meetings.

His submission was supported by the National Council member from Thimphu Sangay Zam, the National Council member from Lhuentse Rinzin and the National Council member from Zhemgang Pema Lhamo.

After prolonged discussions, the house decided to keep the sitting fees for the parliamentarians for attending the parliamentary sessions and drop the sitting fee for attending the committee meetings.