Rising prices squeeze Bhutanese households despite moderate inflation
In vegetable markets and grocery shops across Thimphu, shoppers say that even small price increases strain their budgets.
Dechen Dolkar
Foreign domestic workers lift burden off Bhutanese working moms
Under current regulations, foreign domestic workers must only perform duties specified in their contracts. These include childcare, elder care, housekeeping, cooking, grocery…
Over 1,900 commodities set to become cheaper as Bhutan adopts GST
Finance Minister Lekey Dorji said that 1,522 commodities previously taxed at 10 percent BST should see noticeable price reductions under GST. These include footwear, clothing and…
Bhutanese consumers foot the bill as double taxation bites during GST transition
Consumers are facing short-term price increases as the country transitions to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, with the burden of double taxation embedded in the cost of…
Deadlock over child rape provision derails Bhutan’s Penal Code (amendment) Bill
Most NC members abstained from voting in favour of the Bill after proposed amendments to the child rape provision were not incorporated.
Are Bhutanese entrepreneurs ready for alternative financing?
As Bhutan looks beyond traditional bank lending and donor-driven grants, the piece examines whether local business founders now have the skills, structures and readiness to use…
Weak support systems keep Bhutanese women out of politics
Bhutan's political gender gap persists despite strong voter participation.
Bhutan’s power exports set to plunge as domestic energy demands outstrip supply
Rising electricity demand will constrain exports until 2032, with recovery only after 2035.
Gender gap in Bhutan’s political representation continues to widen
A decline in women's participation in local government and politics is raising concerns over gender equality in decision making roles, even as their representation in the civil…
Bhutan’s hotel industry reels from staff exodus, explores foreign workers to fill the gap
Already battered by financial strains, the hotel industry now faces another blow - shortage of skilled staff - as relentless attrition and poaching threaten to cripple operations.