THIMPHU, 11 April 2025: Access to public information is improving, but it’s still challenging for journalists to obtain the information they require from government agencies, according to editors and senior reporters from both print and broadcast media.

They noted that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) created by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) have been somewhat helpful. However, many media contacts in government remain unaware of these procedures, and those who are aware often hesitate to share information. Consequently, it can take two weeks to a month to receive responses to written questions.

This topic was extensively discussed with MoICE Secretary Tashi Wangmo during the “Meet the Editors” event on April 10 in Thimphu. This half-day dialogue was organised by the Journalists’ Association of Bhutan (JAB) in collaboration with the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) to address pressing issues related to bureaucracy and media coverage.

Secretary Tashi Wangmo acknowledged that the media plays a crucial role in shaping democracy and ensuring good governance. She stressed the importance of journalists reporting fairly, objectively, and responsibly. She expressed concerns about biased and lopsided reporting and the spread of unverified facts in recent articles. “As a journalist, you should recognise the efforts of public agencies. This doesn’t mean you should only tell positive stories, but you also need to highlight areas that need improvement,” she said.

Regarding access to information, Secretary Tashi Wangmo assured attendees that the ministry will continue to advocate for the SOP and will work to improve cooperation with the media. The Chief of the Media Development Division at the Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property (DoMCIIP), Binod Pradhan, informed that these SOPs were developed with input from media professionals and are now being communicated to all government agencies and districts (dzongkhags). “This SOP is just a guide document and not a set of rules,” he stated.

Editors suggested that the SOP should be emphasised to agencies such as the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), the Royal Monetary Authority, Constitutional Bodies, the Ministry of Finance, and Thimphu Thromde, among others. One barrier to accessing information is the RCSC’s Rules for Administrative Disciplinary Actions (RADA) and the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Model Public Service Code of Conduct (MPSCC). Editors pointed out that these rules have created a climate of fear that prevents civil servants from sharing information. “Even sharing simple data, like the number of electric cars imported in the last few years, is seen as sensitive,” one editor remarked.

Overall, this open dialogue helped improve understanding between media professionals and government officials, fostered communication, built relationships, and clarified expectations. Both officials from MoICE and BICMA, along with media professionals, expressed a desire for more such interactions in the future. This was the first time editors had an open discussion with government officials, and the event was well-received by all involved. Before the dialogue, the former secretary of the erstwhile Ministry of Information and Communication (MoIC), Dasho Kinley Dorji, interacted with the editors and informally shared some background on the current issues.