1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

The Act has been drafted by keeping in mind the concerns and interests of the
government and the people. Although foreign experts were involved initially in
drafting it, the review took into consideration, the context of the country to
ensure that the policies of the Royal Government are not contravened. The
country has immense experience after enjoying the benefits of electricity for
many years. Provisions of the Act reflect the aspiration of the Bhutanese people,
and do not integrate non-indigenous knowledge to any considerable extent.
The Hon’ble Minister said that he would provide clarifications to any doubts
while the Act is being discussed page by page. Except for a few editorial errors,
no major change in meaning and content has been found necessary while the
Act was reviewed. Hence, the National Assembly passed the Bhutan Electricity
Act, 2001 on July 26, 2001.
The Chimis of Wangdi Phodrang, BCCI and Punakha extended their
appreciation to the Speaker for the opportunity to comment on the eight acts
being discussed for endorsement in the 79 th session of the National Assembly.
In his inaugural address, the Speaker has highlighted the importance of
establishing a legal committee for the benefit of the country and the people to
review acts and legislations. The Chimis expressed their hopes that there will be
substantial numbers of representatives of people on the committee.
Although the establishment of the committee will entail cost to the government
in terms of expenditure like salary to members, its absence would also incur the
same cost in the form of extended discussion on Chathrim that would not
necessarily happen if there were such a committee. Therefore, it is definitely
imperative to establish the committee. The Chimis said that if problems and
inconveniences arise in future while the Chathrim, endorsed in the present
session of the Assembly were being implemented, they could be submitted for
review and amendment in subsequent sessions.
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