Photo: tibet.net
The seventh session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament in Exile began in Dharamshala on March 19; the main agenda item was acceptance of the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) annual budget for 2019-2020.
The bi-yearly, ten-day long discussions opened with a briefing of the actions accomplished in the six months since the last session. The Speaker of the House, Pema Jugney, stated, “The onus is on us to ensure that our parliamentary discourse serves the greater cause and is valued and appreciated by Tibetans worldwide.”
Discussing the ongoing occupation of Tibet, seven topics were deliberated and agreed upon, including recognising the courage of Tibetan people; acknowledging India’s support and further stating to the Chinese government the benefits of the Middle Way Approach.
Multiple budget changes were proposed and approved for various departments. The approvals include, but are not limited to, “Surkyol” [ring-fenced] budget for Ngeonga School; “Surkyol” budget for the Department of Religion and Culture; special recurring budget and “Surkyul” budget for the Department of Health and special recurring budget for the Department of Education.
Topgyal Tsering Zongkha
Photo: tibet.net
Parliament members discussed other budgets and clarifying information provided by department heads.
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, president of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, nominated the Secretary of the Kashag Secretariat, Topgyal Tsering Zongkha for the position of Kalon of the 15th Kashang, his nomination was approved on the fourth day of discussions in a majority vote.
The session concluded on March 29.
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