Dharamshala, 18th March 2025: Chaired by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the second day of the ninth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile commenced at 9:30 AM with deliberations on the statement of Finance Kalon and the 2025–2026 budget précis presented by the Budget Estimate Committee.
The house discussed the suspension of aid from the USA, with many members advocating for the Central Tibetan Administration to work towards financial self-sufficiency, while others expressed gratitude to the US for its past support in preserving and promoting Tibetan culture, language, and religion.
Other topics of discussion included the loan sought by the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota to acquire land for the Tibet Town Project, Department of Home’s housing initiatives for newly arrived Tibetans, and other related matters.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of the Department of Finance, addressed the queries raised in the house.
Parliamentarian Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten, Chair of the Budget Estimate Committee, also provided needed clarification to the questions raised in the house.
The session proceeded with the continuation of discussion and approval on the proposed budget of the various departments and offices under the Central Tibetan Administration for the year 2025-2026, starting from discussion and approval Nyechen Budget, Recurring Budget, Special Recurring Budget, and Surkyol Budget of the Parliamentary Secretariat.
The proposed budget for the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission and local justice Commissions includes the Nyechen Budget, Recurring Budget, Special Recurring Budget, & Surkyol Budget of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, followed by the Recurring Budget & Special Recurring Budget of the Northern Local Tibetan Justice Commission; Recurring Budget & Special Recurring Budget of Southern Tibetan Justice Commission; Recurring Budget & Special Recurring Budget of Ladakh Tibetan Local Justice Commission; and Recurring Budget of Tibetan Circuit Justice Commission were also approved.
Thereafter, the Recurring Budgets & Special Recurring Budgets of 37 Local Tibetan Assemblies and Recurring Budget, Special Recurring Budget and Surkyol Budget of the Kashag Secretariat were also approved unanimously.
The Recurring Budget of the Department of Security remains open for discussion.
Today’s session had former West Bengal official and member of Salugara Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Tsering Lhamo Bhutia, and others as observers.
The session adjourned at 5 pm.
