Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, April 1: Following deliberations for 13 days, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) on the final day of the ninth session unanimously approved a budget of ₹3,304,017,307 (38,870,791 USD) for the fiscal year 2025-26. The budget, which covers the expenses and operations of the exile Tibetan government known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), was passed following extensive deliberations during the \ session held from March 17 to 31.
This year’s budget reflects a reduction of ₹2.7 crore (3,15,368 USD) compared to the previous fiscal year’s ₹3,331,022,234 (4,01,49,908 USD). The cut was necessitated by the termination of US government aid, which the CTA had initially anticipated while drafting a proposed budget of ₹368 crore. With approximately 90% of its funding reliant on external aid, the CTA was compelled to revise its budget plans in response to the funding cut.
During the session, the Cabinet introduced a draft amendment to the official regulations concerning emergency government expenditures. The amendment outlines protocols for governance in cases where unforeseen circumstances render the Cabinet or both the Cabinet and Parliament non-operational. After in-depth discussions, the Parliament resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to refine the proposal. The committee, comprising two members of Parliament and one Cabinet representative appointed by the Speakers, will review the draft, implement necessary modifications, and present their recommendations during the 10th session of the 17th TPiE.
Concluding the ninth session, TPiE Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel underscored the need for the CTA to work towards financial self-sufficiency, urging the Tibetan public to take greater responsibility rather than rely on external assistance. He also addressed the ongoing crisis inside Tibet, emphasizing the importance of sustaining Tibet’s identity on the global stage. Additionally, he reiterated the need to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision and highlighted that the 9th World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet is scheduled to be held in Japan this June.
