Form of Government
Bhutan has constitutional form of government, with His Majesty the King as head of state. People play an important role in determining the policies of the government through representatives directly elected by them (people) to voice their wishes and promote their welfare. The mechanism of government functioning is highly decentralized down to the village level. Matters pertaining to development involve the people themselves who participate actively in schemes devised and initiated by the government agencies. The state takes care of the health and welfare of the people by providing them with standard medical facilities and quality education free of cost.
The “National Assembly”, which represents people at the primary level, is responsible for formulating national policies through resolutions passed by it during their biannual meetings held at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu, the central headquarters of administration and government. The National Assembly meetings are presided over by the King and attended by his cabinet of Ministers, Members of the Royal Advisory Council, Civil Servants, Members of the Clergy, Business Community and the representatives of the people.
Debates on issues of national importance and welfare of the people are deliberated upon and resolutions formulated by the unanimous consent of the members of the assembly are passed in these meetings. The resolutions are then further scrutinized by the members of the Royal Advisory Council before being presented to the King and his cabinet of ministers for speedy implementation.
The Prime Ministers and a council of ministers are elected by the members of the national assembly to the cabinet headed by the King and comprising of the ministers and members of the Royal Advisory Council. The ministers who are allotted different portfolios are accountable to the cabinet, they supervise the efficient functioning of various government department and government institutions upon the advise of members of the Royal Advisory Council, who are also elected by the people’s representatives to provide a vital link between the people and government.
The Civil Servants who ensure the smooth functioning of the government machinery are selected on the basis of merit through aptitude tests conducted and evaluated by the RCSC (Royal Civil Service Commission).
Judiciary
Bhutan has a system of codified laws that guide the judges who dispense justice to the people. Village headmen have the authority to try minor offenses; a Drangpon (judge) is in charge of providing justice at the district level and the High Court in Thimphu with Chief Justice deals in more serious cases. The ultimate power of pardon is vested with the King who can give a final verdict after consultations with the Royal Advisory Council. Spanish, French and Japanese.
