Powers and Responsibilities

Legislature

With (the introduction of) a genuine, democratic system of governance based on the charter, the Assembly has been the highest body of the exile Tibetan polity, constituted in a manner representative of the whole of the Tibetans inside and outside Tibet. - Excerpt of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's inaugural message of the 14 Tibetan People's Deputy, June 01, 2006

The Members of Parliament (MPs) after undergoing serious orientation in parliamentary procedures have shown no hesitation in executing their responsibilities. The Parliament now meets twice a year, in March and September, for about 10 to 15 days sessions, at 9:30 a.m. every morning. MPs are disciplined and are far from deferential when it comes to check the powers and responsibility of Kalons (Cabinet Ministers).

The main powers and responsibilities of the TPIE are:• To elect the members of the Kashag (Cabinet) and to impeach any individual Kalon (Minister) or the entire Kashag• To examine the decision of the Kashag and its administration in the light of the policies and programmes adopted by the Parliament• To impeach the Supreme Justice Commissioners and the heads of the three autonomous bodies• To enact laws, frame rules and regulations and issue policy decisions;• To control and oversee the finances including the expenditure of the Central Tibetan Administration• To liaise with Government, Parliaments, NGOs and individuals throughout the world in order to gain support for the cause of Tibet• To streamline the functioning of the local Tibetan Assemblies in all major Tibetan settlements• To oversee the work of Tibetan Freedom Movement sub-committees (BDRL)• To debate issues of national and international importance as well as issues of local and individual significance• To hear public grievances and petitions of Tibetans-in-exile;• To monitor the aspirations and problems of the Tibetan people both in and outside Tibet by maintaining contact with them• To play the roles of both the opposition and ruling parties under the present circumstances because maintaining effective control of the Government is not only a matter for the opposition, it is the responsibility of the Parliament

Business routine of the House is transacted in the following manners:• Question Hour• Calling Attention Motion• Statements of the Kalons or individual members• Passing of legislation;• Voting on Grant-in-Aid and control of public finances;• Processing of miscellaneous budget; and• Debate on motions or statements.

For the purpose of preparing and facilitating the work of the Parliament, the members are divided on the basis of their area of specialization into various committees to undertake detailed work on behalf of the House. Thus, a major part of the work done by the Parliament is carried out by Committees. These are:• Standing Committee• Business Advisory Committee• Committee on Education• Committee on Health Care• Committee on Human Rights and Environment• Committee on Public Accounts• Committee on Religious and Cultural Activities.• Committee on Social Welfare and Settlement; and• Select Committee on Bills

Besides raising issues of national and local importance, the members also visit the Tibetan Settlements and report the grievances of the people to the ministries concerned, thus acting as a bridge between the Central Tibetan Administration and the general public. At the local level, the members take active part in looking after the welfare of the people and initiating programs.