Dharamshala, 19th March 2025: Chaired by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the third day of the Budget Session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile began at 9:30 AM with continued deliberation on the Recurring Budget of the Department of Security (DoS).

The house applauded the security provided to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the Indian government, state governments, and the CTA’s Department of Security, expressing special gratitude for the Indian government’s recent upgrade of His Holiness’s security to Z-category.

Discussions also covered Meta’s exposure of Chinese disinformation network targeting His Holiness and Tibet, along with strategies to counter China’s false narratives.

Kalon Gyari Dolma of the DoS addressed concerns regarding His Holiness’s security.

Following deliberations, the Recurring Budget and the Special Recurring Budget of the DoS were sanctioned. The Surkyol Budget was approved with a motion for reduction tabled by DoS Kalon and supported by DIIR Kalon.

The session then proceeded with deliberation on the Recurring Budget of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR). Discussions included Tibet-related exhibitions in colleges and universities to engage younger generations, advocacy programs, concerns over the potential termination of VOA and RFA’s Tibetan language services, and other matters. DIIR Kalon Norzin Dolma provided necessary clarifications.

The discussion on the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR)’s budget remains open for tomorrow’s sitting.

The house adjourned at 5 PM.