August 10–11, 2026 — The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) of the National Council continued its stakeholder consultations on the state of housing in Bhutan, with meetings held with Thimphu Thromde, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and civil society organizations.

On August 10, the Committee met with Thimphu Dzongkhag and Thimphu Thromde. Thimphu Thromde presented on housing planning and delivery, including spatial planning, urban development, building permits, and development control. Discussions focused on urban densification, carrying capacity, streamlining approval processes, strengthening coordination, and improving monitoring and enforcement of building regulations.

On August 11, the Committee met with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss its support to Bhutan’s housing sector, including the Green and Resilient Affordable Housing Sector Project (GRAHSP) and the proposed Inclusive and Resilient Urban Development Project (IRUDP). Discussions covered housing affordability, land and housing finance, data gaps, the Housing Management Information System and green building guidelines.

In the afternoon, the Committee met with civil society organizations, including the Royal Society for Senior Citizens (RSSC), Tarayana Foundation, and the Disabled People’s Organisation of Bhutan (DPOB).

Discussions focused on the housing needs of low-income and vulnerable groups, with particular emphasis on affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity. The stakeholders highlighted the challenges faced by senior citizens and persons with disabilities in accessing and using housing, including physical accessibility, mobility within multi-storey buildings, availability of lifts and other essential facilities, and the need for age- and disability-friendly housing designs.

The discussions also emphasized the importance of community participation and ensuring that housing policies, planning standards, and housing interventions are responsive to the diverse needs of vulnerable groups, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.