Dharamshala, 18 March 2026: Chaired by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the third day of the Budget Session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile commenced at 9:30 AM, continuing deliberations on the budget of the Department of Security (DoS). The DoS Kalon, Gyari Dolma, provided detailed clarifications in response to queries raised by members of the House.

The session also addressed concerns over recent cases involving the forgery of official documents, the circulation of false information, and the manipulation of sensitive issues to mislead the public. Members highlighted the growing challenge of misinformation being spread through online platforms, with the potential to disrupt peace and cohesion within the community.

During the deliberations, reference was also made to the longstanding use of disinformation and propaganda by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly in attempts to discredit His Holiness the Dalai Lama and undermine his global standing, as well as the broader Tibetan cause. All concerns raised by the members were duly addressed by the DoS Kalon during the session.

Renewed concerns were raised over the recent arrest of a Chinese national in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, for staying without a valid visa. The Kalon clarified the situation. The issue was highlighted due to security considerations, as McLeod Ganj is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The house applauded the security provided to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the Indian government, state governments, the CTA’s Department of Security (DoS), and officials of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (OHHDL).

Following deliberations, the Recurring Budget and the Surkyol Budget of the DoS were sanctioned.

The session then proceeded with deliberation on the Recurring Budget of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR).

The discussion on the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR)’s budget and the Special Recurring Budget of the Department of Security (DoS) remain open.

Today, the house welcomed a delegation of the Australia Tibet Council (ATC) as observer. The delegation was led by Janet Rice (former Australian Senator and Co-Chair of the Australia Tibet Council), and Dr. Zoë Bedford (Executive Director of the Australia Tibet Council), and comprised of Emma Davidson (former Member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly), Sarah Redshaw (Councillor for the Blue Mountains City Council), Brittney Henderson (Melbourne-based candidate for the Parliament of Victoria and an Indigenous Wiradjuri–Bunurong Australian woman), Siobhan Isherwood (Councillor for the Newcastle City Council), and Dr. Michael Osborne (former Councillor for Newcastle City Council and a climate academic at the University of Newcastle).

The house adjourned at 5 PM.