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Government
 Until
the beginning of 20th century, Bhutan was ruled by dual system
of administration known as “chhosi” which was initiated by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal in 1651. Shabdrung created the office of the Druk Desi to
look after the temporal administration of the country and the Je Khenpo to
manage religious matters.
His Majesty, King Jigme Singye
Wangchuk, fourth in the Wangchuck dynasty is head of the state. His Majesty
formally ascended the Golden Throne on 2 June 1974 and since then steered
the country firmly towards the objectives of economic self-reliance,
cultural promotion, regionally balanced development, environment
preservation and good governance.
The National Assembly, the Royal
Advisory Council, the Judiciary, the Council of Ministers and the Sectoral
Ministries are the organizations that play a crucial role in the governance
of the Kingdom of Bhutan. At the district, block and village levels there
are established mechanisms that ensure people’s participation in the
decision making process.
National Assembly:
Established in 1953 by His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the main
functions of the National Assembly are to enact laws, approve senior
appointments in government and advise on all matters of national importance.
It normally meets twice a year and consists of 154 members comprising 105
elected representatives of the people, 10 representatives of the clergy and
39 nominated representatives of the government.
Royal Advisory Council:
The main functions of this body are to make its advice available to the King
and his Council of Ministers on all matters of national importance, the
welfare of the people and the national interest of the Kingdom, to develop
friendly and harmonious relations between the government and the people and
to ensure that the laws and resolutions passed by the National assembly are
faithfully implemented by the government and people. Formed in 1965, it
consists of nine members, six representing the people, two from clergy and
one nominee of the King.
Judiciary;
All the laws
are codified. Minor offences are judged by the village headmen. Above them,
the District Court have both original and appellate jurisdiction. Next
higher court is the High Court in Thimphu. The final appeal is made to the
King who then delegates the Royal Advisory Council to investigate and ensure
that the courts have dispensed justice in keeping with the laws of the
country.
Council of Ministers and
Central Secretariat:
Bhutan took a major step in the direction of a
modernized administrative system in 1968 when the National Assembly, at the
request of the King, approved the formation of a Council of Ministers. The
Ministers are responsible to the Cabinet which is an important decision
making body, second only in importance to the National Assembly. The Cabinet
is presided over by the King and consists of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and
all Royal Advisory Councillors.
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