Dharamshala, 24 March 2026: Chaired by Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the eighth day of the eleventh session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile commenced with the deliberation and clarification of the budget for the Department of Finance (DoF) at 9:30 am.

Budgets for the Department of Finance (DoF), the Tibetan Administration’s Welfare Society (TAWS), His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Charitable Trust, the Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD), and the staff mess were all approved.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of the Department of Finance (DoF), provided detailed clarifications in response to the questions raised. These included discussions on the procedures for receiving foreign funds through SARD, appreciation for the valuable contributions of professional volunteers through Tibet Corps, insights into cybersecurity and other technical aspects related to the functioning of the Tibetan Computer Resource Centre (TCRC), and the administration’s sustained efforts to promote, nurture, and develop a larger pool of skilled Tibetan IT professionals, among other matters.

The session proceeded with deliberations on, and subsequent approval of, the budget for the Department of Religion and Culture (DoR&C). Discussions highlighted concerns regarding interference by the PRC in the religious process of recognizing reincarnations. The House also commended Sonam Dorjee, Secretary of the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat, for authoring a well-researched book on the procedures for the recognition and enthronement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The afternoon session was presided over by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, and proceeded with queries concerning the progress of the digital library program, recruitment challenges faced by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), and the current status of the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Arts, among other matters, which were all duly addressed by the DoR&C Kalon, Penpa Tsering.

The session continued with the deliberation of the proposed budgets for the Department of Health (DoHe). Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of the DoHe, addressed the questions raised regarding the appointment of Men-Tsee-Khang’s director, working of the Tibetan National Sports Association, as well as other budget-related matters.

The budget of the Department of Health remains open for the next seating.

The session adjourned at 5 pm.