Dharamshala, 19 March 2026: The fourth day of the Budget Session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile began at 9:30 AM, presided over by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, with continued discussions on the Recurring Budget of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR).

The session proceeded with the deliberation and approval of both the Recurring Budget, the Special Recurring Budget, and the Surkyol Budget of the DIIR. Lawmakers commended the department’s overall performance while raising specific queries about Tibet advocacy projects, Tibet-related publications, and, in particular, efforts to raise awareness about the 11th Panchen Lama. The Panchen Lama was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1995 and was taken into custody by the People’s Republic of China shortly thereafter. He has not been seen publicly since, drawing sustained international concern. Members sought clarity on what additional steps the department is undertaking to keep global attention on this issue. The concerns were addressed by the DIIR Kalon.

The discussion also emphasized the need for broader and more consistent coverage of the PRC’s interference in the recognition and reincarnation process of Tibetan Buddhist leaders. Parliamentarians highlighted particular concern over potential interference in the future reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, describing it as a matter of religious freedom and cultural preservation.

The house appreciated the advocacy initiatives of the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG), applauded the Offices of Tibet (OoTs) under the Department for their commendable work despite limited staff members, and congratulated Tsering Dhongthog, a Tibetan American appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade Policy and Negotiations at the United States Department of State.

The Budget of the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) remains open.

The session was adjourned at 5:00 PM and will resume at 9:30 AM the following day.