Dharamshala, 23 September 2026: Chaired by Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the seventh day of the second session of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile commenced with deliberations on the annual report of the Department of Education (DoE).

Parliamentarians commended the department for its efforts to provide quality modern education while preserving and promoting the Tibetan language and culture. They also applauded the maintenance of a low teacher-student ratio in Tibetan schools to ensure a conducive and effective learning environment for students.

In light of the People’s Republic of China’s implementation of the “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law,” which has been viewed by Tibetan representatives and other observers as part of broader efforts to promote the Sinicization of Tibetan identity, much of the discussion focused on the importance of ensuring quality education for Tibetan children in the Tibetan language and encouraging greater participation in Tibetan literary competitions.

Members also called for stronger initiatives by the concerned department to support the preservation and promotion of the Tibetan language and literary tradition. Among the measures discussed was the need to improve the remuneration for Tibetan-language teachers to encourage their continued contribution to the field.

The House also raised questions concerning various programs and initiatives of the department, including the integration of Tibetan schools, the provision of Tibetan-language books to weekend Tibetan language classes, facilities and support for children with special needs based on their individual requirements, and finding meaningful ways to foster healthy patriotism in Tibetan children. Other matters discussed included Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning and related educational initiatives.

Kalon Urgen Tenzin, Minister of the Department of Education, responded to the questions and provided clarifications on the matters raised by members of the House.

The session continued with the presentation of the précis report for 2025–2026 of the Department of Security (DoS) by Kalon Kunga Tashi. This was followed by the presentation of the Standing Committee’s reviewed report on the detailed annual report of the DoS for 2025–2026 by Parliamentarian Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen.

A motion to deliberate on the DoS’s annual report was moved by Parliamentarian Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten and seconded by Parliamentarian Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen. DoS Kalon Kunga Tashi then presented the Kashag’s clarification.

Parliamentarians commended the Department of State (DoS) staff for their dedicated service, particularly their efforts concerning the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The discussion also covered various issues faced by the Tibetan community, including difficulties in obtaining new Registration Certificates (RCs) and extending existing RCs, as well as the extended time taken for the renewal of Certificates of Identity (CoIs) compared to earlier periods and the issuance of Exit & Return permits for Certificate of Identity (CoI) holders.

Deliberation on the DoS’s annual report will continue in tomorrow’s sitting.

The session adjourned at 7:00 pm.