Royal Grace Marks Parliament's Closure 🌟

His Majesty's Presence: A Symbol of Unity and Progress

The closing ceremony of the fifth session of the Fourth Parliament in Bhutan was honored by the presence of His Majesty the King at the Gyelyong Tshokhang in Thimphu. The event was a gathering of the nation's key figures, including members of the Royal Family, senior government officials, foreign diplomats, teachers, and students, symbolizing a moment of national significance and unity.

Celebrating National Achievements 🎉

National Assembly Speaker Lungten Dorji highlighted the transformative impact of national initiatives, particularly the Gyalsung program. This initiative, established in 2024, has seen remarkable growth, with 9,860 trainees, including 4,956 females and 4,904 males, some of whom are Bhutanese residing abroad. The Gyalsung, alongside over 56,000 Desuups and 981 Pelsups, forms a robust trio of national service programs aiming to foster personal growth and national development.

The Speaker expressed profound gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for their unwavering support, which underscores the enduring friendship and trust between Bhutan and India.

Gelephu Mindfulness City: A Vision for the Future 🌆

A highlight of the parliamentary session was the discussion on the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned as a pioneering international economic hub. Designed to tackle youth unemployment and promote sustainable economic growth, GMC embodies innovation, sustainability, and well-being. His Majesty has also envisioned the construction of 108 Jangchub Chortens in the city, with support from global patrons.

Spiritual and Cultural Commitments 🙏

Parliament expressed gratitude to His Holiness the Je Khenpo and Bhutan's spiritual masters for their continuous prayers for global and national peace. The spiritual leadership has been pivotal in organizing rituals and teachings that are believed to protect the nation from various adversities.

The ceremony also celebrated the introduction of a daily prayer book for primary students, reinforcing spiritual growth among the youth. This initiative is developed by the Zhung Dratshang and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.

Honoring Royal Contributions and Cultural Heritage 🎨

The session honored several royal contributions, including His Royal Highness the Gyalsey's inauguration of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrol and a special exhibition at the Royal Textile Academy. These events were part of the 70th Birth Anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen's initiatives, including the Tit-Tar Therapy programme and the Her Expression Festival, were also highlighted. These programs aim to improve health and promote women's art and culture.

Legislative Milestones and Future Directions 📜

The Parliament adopted a budget outlay of Nu 153.296 billion for FY 2026–2027 and a supplementary budget for FY 2025–2026. Key legislative bills were also discussed, including the Goods and Services (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Renewable Energy Exemption Tax Bill 2026.

Other significant discussions involved the Financial Services (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the double taxation agreement with Singapore. The session also addressed audit reports and the Prime Minister’s Annual Report on the State of the Nation.

Conclusion: A Vision for Bhutan's Future 🌄

The closing ceremony of the Parliament was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a forward-looking event, laying the groundwork for future initiatives. As Bhutan continues to navigate its path towards sustainable growth and development, the unity and vision exemplified by His Majesty and the Parliament serve as guiding beacons.

Looking ahead, Bhutan's commitment to holistic development, cultural preservation, and international cooperation remains steadfast, promising a brighter and more prosperous future for all Bhutanese.