Bhutan’s National Council Engages in Comprehensive Legal Reforms

The National Council of Bhutan is strategizing legal reforms to align with the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) framework. Members are focused on fulfilling the goals outlined in the Royal Address during the 117th National Day. The Council aims to improve law consolidation and enactment, ensuring compatibility with the GMC’s newly adopted regulations from Singapore and ADGM. Comprehensive studies and committee efforts will enhance the nation’s legal landscape in preparation for upcoming sessions.

On February 20, 2025, the National Council (NC) of Bhutan convened to outline legal reforms aimed at aligning the nation’s laws and regulations with the developments of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The meeting on February 13 focused on fulfilling the Royal Address made during the 117th National Day, which outlined four critical areas: meritocracy and democracy, an enlightened bureaucratic framework for entrepreneurship, economic enhancement, and population empowerment.

His Majesty the King asserted that effective laws are essential for maintaining order, security, prosperity, and social harmony. He underscored the challenges faced by nations grappling with excessive legislation, insufficient public understanding, and weak enforcement, which can hinder innovation and enterprise. The NC’s Spokesperson and Deputy Chairperson, Dago Tsheringla, emphasized the Council’s commitment to aligning its initiatives with the national vision.

Dago Tsheringla noted that the NC will methodically invest efforts in consolidating, amending, and enacting laws to meet the country’s needs. The goal includes ensuring a smooth integration of the GMC within Bhutan’s legal framework over the next decade. He indicated that members are tasked with identifying laws to be amended or consolidated ahead of the summer session, with a comprehensive presentation due in April.

The NC plans to engage in thorough discussions with relevant organizations and constitutional offices to synchronize national laws with those of the GMC. Each of the NC’s five committees, comprising experienced members, will oversee this task. During the meeting, members were presented with the new Schedule A and Schedule B laws for the GMC, which came into force on December 26, 2024.

GMC is operating under 18 Singaporean laws (Schedule A) and 10 Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulations (Schedule B), covering areas such as company incorporation, employment, taxation, and financial services. The Singaporean legislation adopted by GMC includes crucial acts like the Companies Act 1967 and the Employment Act 1968, among others.

Furthermore, the NC aims to study the compatibility of Bhutan’s existing laws with those adopted by the GMC, which includes previous acts like the Companies Act and Employment Act. Such comparisons will help identify necessary adjustments to ensure effective legal governance.

The National Council of Bhutan is actively preparing for significant legal reforms to align with the emerging framework of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). By focusing on essential laws and addressing the challenges posed by excessive legislation and weak enforcement, the Council aims to create a solid foundation for national development. Future discussions and analyses will ensure that Bhutan’s legal systems effectively meet contemporary needs while promoting innovation and enterprise.

Original Source: asianews.network