Bhutanese Minister blames public for rupee crisis
Bhutanese Finance Minister Wangdi Norbu said cause behind rupee shortage in the country is import exceeding export.
In response to questions raised by lawmakers on Tuesday’s session of parliament, Mr Norbu said that rupee crisis of today was not a problem of solvency and thus not a problem to repay loans.
His statement was a clear indication to blame general people for the crisis, not the government. He said, all citizens must be accountable for it.
He also added that if every one doesn’t join hands together, it would be difficult to resolve the rupee crisis.
He further informed that there were no restrictions on the import of essential goods but only non-essential goods like vehicles, alcoholic products and furniture were restricted from import.
Similarly, the Minister for Works & Human Settlement Yeshe Zimba said that the economic security of the country was stable and the transactions, which are now routed through banks, have resulted in prevention of fronting and people evading taxes.
In other business, National Assembly today unanimously passed the King’s Relieve Fund Bill 2012.
Similarly, Secretary General of the National Assembly Kinzang Wangdi read out the Royal Kasho of the King pertaining to the Land Bill 2012 to the House. The Royal Kasho stated that “irrespective of whether new act is found necessary or not, it is my duty as the Druk Gyalpo to ensure that State land and assets are preserved in the interest of Bhutanese citizens-present and future generations-so that our people’s aspiration to own land and home may be fulfilled, while their right to share in the wealth and progress of our nation is protected-for all time”.
The Royal Kasho also stated that except for institutions of State, no individual should be exempt from the land ceiling and other provisions that apply to the general public of Bhutan.