Dharamshala, 27 March 2026: Chaired by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the eleventh day of the eleventh session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile began with the continuation of deliberation and approval of the budget of the Department of Education (DoE).

The discussion offered a comprehensive examination of strategies aimed at ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and culturally grounded education for Tibetan children living in the diaspora. Parliamentarians underscored the critical importance of safeguarding and promoting Tibet’s unique cultural identity, with particular focus on the preservation and active use of the Tibetan language as a cornerstone of heritage.

Beyond the broader educational objectives, the deliberations also focused extensively on administrative and policy-related issues that directly impact the effective functioning of Tibetan schools. Members engaged in detailed discussions on teacher transfer policies, expressing concern over the need to maintain institutional stability while ensuring that students’ learning experiences are not disrupted by frequent transfers.

The afternoon session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, deliberated the restrictions on teachers contesting elections, observance of Tibetan Teachers’ Day across all schools, reviewed current student enrolment figures across various institutions under the Department of Education, and highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to provide children’s books that meet both academic standards and cultural relevance, thereby supporting holistic learning. Furthermore, members commended the overall working of the Department of Education and it’s exceptional outcome over the years.

Proceeding in accordance with the established agenda, the House approved the proposed budget of the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS), which operates under the Department of Education.

Education Kalon Changra Tharlam Dolma addressed the House, providing detailed clarifications and responses to questions raised by members regarding both the Department of Education’s overall budget and the specific allocations for the STSS. The Kalon’s explanations helped clarify financial priorities, and operational challenges.

Information and International Relations Kalon Norzin Dolma provided clarification to some of the queries from a previous seating with regard to working of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR).

Thereafter, a report of the Committee on compiling The Speeches of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Democracy and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and updating the publication The Evolution of Tibetan Democracy in Exile, as part of the 90th Birth Anniversary Celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Year of Compassion) was presented by Committee Chair Parliamentarian Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen.

The session adjourned at 4:51 pm.

– Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat