Thimphu: Triggering a huge debate in the public sphere, the Government of Bhutan has decided to do away with live coverage of Parliamentary proceedings claiming that they cause difficultly in concentration and unnecessarily prolong discussions.
The fourth session of the National Assembly (NA) or lower house begins tomorrow.
The decision to stop live telecast was implemented during the third session by the NA members.
"This time, however, the decision was taken by NA speaker Jigme Tshultrim," NA secretary general Nima Tshering told reporters.
The decision to stop live telecast of Parliament proceedings except during opening, closing and other important days, created a huge debate in the media and public forums. Parliamentarians had said that live coverage made it difficult to concentrate and unnecessarily prolonged discussions.
The fourth session will deliberate on the civil service, standards, and tobacco control bills, and the royal monetary authority (and the marriage (amendment) bills. The Assembly will also ratify the SAARC convention on mutual assistance in criminal matters.
The Assembly secretariat has also done away with refreshments for the media during the morning recess. The winter session ends on December 11.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, November 20, 2009, 11:58