[27] [28][29]

2007, June 29: Private individuals will no longer be allowed to hold Tsamdro and Sokshing under the revised Land Act. They will be maintained by the government. However, Tsamdro owners will be paid cash compensation by the government for surrendering their Tsamdro rights based on the area registered in the Thram.

According to the revised Land Act Tsamdro and Sokshing rights maintained in the Thrams before the enactment of the Act shall be deleted from the Thram. Upon deletion, Tsamdro land shall be reverted and maintained as government land in Thromde or government reserved forest land in rural areas. Tsamdro owners will be paid cash compensation by the government. However, people who are directly dependent on Tsamdro can retain their Tsamdro under lease.

Meanwhile, Sokshing in rural areas will be converted to leasehold and Sokshing without trees will not be leased. Both Tsamdro and Sokshing will not be allowed for sub leasing.

The revised Act maintains that individuals and communities who have the customary Tsalam and Chhulam rights on any leased Tsamdro shall continue to enjoy such rights.

The agriculture ministry said the move would curb cattle migration and promote the management of pasture land.

The Land Act review task force coordinator, Pelzang Wangchuck, said Tsamdro was unequally distributed with only five percent of the people holding about 270 acres of Tsamdro.

With the enactment of the revised bill, Tsamdro and Sokshing will be given on lease for a minimum of 30 years. This, he said, would contribute to the socio economic development of the herders.

2007, June 28: The 87th session of the National Assembly formally concluded today with Tashi Legmeon, a tradition that symbolizes fidelity between the Druk Gyalpo and the people of Bhutan. It assumed special significance with His Majesty the King gracing the closing ceremony.

For the majority of the National Assembly members, the elected people’s representatives, this is the last National Assembly session that they would be attending as members. Some of them have served as National Assembly members for more than 10 to 15 years bringing to the forefront issues and concerns that are closest to the heart of the people. For them as well as other members, it was a historic and poignant occasion.

Addressing the closing ceremony, the National Assembly speaker, Dasho Ugyen Dorji, said even though they might not be able to actively participate in politics, the people’s representatives could contribute immensely to the nation with the introduction of parliamentary election.

The prime minister said Bhutan had enjoyed unprecedented peace and prosperity under the dynamic leadership of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said during His Majesty’s reign of 34 years, Bhutan had witnessed unparalleled socio-economic development. He said with Bhutan all set for parliamentary democracy, the people’s representatives must continue to play an important role.

The venerable Doji Lobey of the Zhung Dratshang paid tribute and offered the gratitude of the clergy to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. He said under His Majesty’s benevolent rule, numerous religious institutes have been established and the dharma has flourished. The venerable Dorji Lopen also pledged the loyalty of the clergy to His Majesty the King. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of His Majesty, Bhutan will achieve even greater peace and prosperity.

The Zhung Kalyon and the Samtse Dzongda representing the Dzongdas of the twenty Dzongkhags extended gratitude and appreciation to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and pledged their loyalty to His Majesty the King.

The Samtse Dzongda also expressed gratitude to His Majesty for granting Kidu to disadvantaged people during his recent visit to remote places in the country.

On behalf of people’s representatives, the Punakha Chimmi expressed appreciation to His Majesty the King, His Holiness the Je Khenpo and the government. The members also pledged their commitment to the Tsa Wa Sum and offered prayers for the good health and long life of His Majesty the King.

Following the ceremony, His Majesty the King and the members of the National Assembly witnessed a cultural program at the Dechencholing palace. Their majesties the Queens and their Royal Highnesses the Princes and Princesses also attended the program.

His Majesty the King also hosted lunch for the members. At the end of the program, His Majesty the King met with all the National Assembly members

2007, June 28: People will be allowed to build one house on inherited Chuzhing in rural areas provided they have no other suitable land for constructing house. This has been made possible with the enactment of the revised Land Act.

The construction of houses on wetland has been discussed extensively in successive National Assembly. It has finally been resolved with the enactment of the revised Land Act on Wednesday, June 28. The revised Land Act was discussed extensively for over two days. The revised Land Act will supersede the Land Act of 1979. However, it will not affect the provisions pertaining to water channels and embankments.

The agriculture ministry says the revised act is user friendly. The agriculture minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, said a national land commission would be established under the revised Act.

The commission will function as an independent body. It is the highest decision making body on land related issues.

The people’s representatives told BBS that the revised Act will benefit the people to a large extent.

The Act has 14 chapters. These include registration of land in Chazhag Sathram, rights and obligations of land owners, acquisition of registered land and procedures on land conveyance.

The Act also has provisions on the use of Tsamdro, Sokshing and offences and penalties.

2007, June 27: His Holiness the Je Khenpo is in Haa. His Holiness is in the Dzongkhag to preside over a week-long Meonlam Chenmo begining Saturday.

Upon arrival in the Dzongkhag today, His Holiness was received by Dzongkhag officials, Rabdey, and students.

Enroute, thousands of people lined the road to receive blessings from His Holiness the Je Khenpo.

This is the 7th Moenlam Chenmo to be conducted in Haa.

This time it is being organized by Katsho Gewog.

His Holiness will preside over the consecration of a new Chorten in Damthang tomorrow.

2007, June 27: The National Assembly passed the Thromde bill of Bhutan 2007 yesterday. The Act has 17 chapters. The minister of works and Human settlement, Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji presented the Thromde act in the national assembly.

The act will provide democratic and accountable government for the urban communities, ensure provision of urban services in a sustainable manner and encourage the involvement of urban communities in the matters of urban governance.

According to the act the government will establish from time to time a certain geographical, administrative or economical area of the country as a thromde or Throm. The act classifies four different thromde or throm. These are Gyelyong thromde, Dzongkhag Thromde, Yenlag Throm and Gewog Throm.

The act lays down the criteria for establishment of different Thromde or Throm and Governance structure of thromde. The act also defines the powers and functions of the thromde and the eligibility criteria for election of Thromde Tshogde Thuemis.

The functions of thromde include construction of drinking water supply, drains and drainage system, roads, bridges, footpaths and causeways.

Among others thromde is also responsible for preparation of plans for economic development, registration and transfer of land and property ownership and land use planning and development control through adoption of land budgeting and land pooling.

The Thromde act of Bhutan 2007 covers finance and assets of the Thromde, revenue and expenditure, and offences and penalty on land administration.