NC will go live, NA not

Thimphu, June 27, 2009: The Houses in the parliament have different perspectives on right to information and public view of the parliament proceedings.

The debate continues till the parliament session began Friday amid special function in capital. As per the preliminary decisions, BBS TV will not be allowed to broadcast live the third session of the National Assembly. However, the National Council said it will allow the TV channel to televise its debates.

The national assembly will allow entry of BBS TV only for its opening and closing ceremony besides addresses by King Jigme Khesar, Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley and few deliberations.

The House remains divided whether to allow TV telecast its debate live. Few members and Speaker Jigme Tshultim cite the cost that BBS might have to bear for live show while others say the ban is against the spirit of right to information of general public.

The constitution allows anyone to view the parliament proceeding sessions stating that parliamentary proceedings will be conducted in public.

The opposition leader Tshering Tobgay opposes the ban saying it is not good practice in a democracy.