
Sixth Day of the Budget Session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in session. Photo/TPIE
Dharamsala: Chaired by the Deputy Speaker Ven. Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, the sixth day of the tenth session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile began with deliberations on the proposed 2021-2022 proposed Surkyol budget of Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD) from the previous days, which was later approved by the house.
Following the deliberation and sanction of the proposed Surkyol budget of the Gang-Jong Development Finance Pvt. Ltd (GDP). Likewise, the proposed Special Recurring (Migsel) and Surkyol budgets of Staff Mess were also sanctioned unanimously.
The Special Recurring budget of the Department of Religion and Culture was approved after due deliberation. Motion for reduction to the Surkyol budget of the Department of Religion and Culture, tabled by Budget Estimate Committee was presented by Parliamentarian Ms. Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar and supported by Parliamentarian Ven. Monlam Tharchin. The motion was unanimously proceeded by the house for discussion which was eventually approved by the house.

Sixth Day of the Budget Session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in session. Photo/TPIE
Some queries were raised with regard to the terms and conditions of getting a loan or investing in Gang-Jong Development Finance Pvt. Ltd (GDP), Buddhist studies scholarship for the Himalayan students, women’s empowerment & gender equality, no of Yogi & Yogini (Vajrayana practitioners) under the department, strengthening, and facilitation of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Buddhist philosophical classes, admission of new monks and nuns, among others.
Kalon Karma Yeshi (Department of Finance) gave clarifications to the questions raised in the house. At the same time, Kalon encouraged Tibetans across the world to make investments in Gang-Jong Development Finance Pvt. Ltd and appreciated those who have already invested. He further clarified the difference between the Tibetan Refugee Livelihood Support Program (TRLSP) funded by the SARD and commercial loans provided by the Gang-Jong Development Finance Pvt. Ltd.
Parliamentarians appreciated the Department of Religion and Culture for their launch of a series of publications in honour of the ‘Gratitude Year to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ and prayer services held during the pandemic. Recommendations were made to publish books on His Holiness’s teaching.

Sixth Day of the Budget Session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in session. Photo/TPIE
Kalon Yuthok Karma Gelek, Department of Religion and Culture extended his gratitude to Kasur Kirti Rinpoche and others for providing support for the publication while addressing questions raised by the Parliamentarians. Kalon further appealed to the general public to continue the religious activities of offering prayers and chanting mantras for the eradication of the ongoing pandemic.
The budget of the Department of Health and Budget of the Election Commission is open for discussion as no decision has been taken. Today’s session witnessed participation from 23 Parliament Members, many of whom shared their views and raised questions. Afterwards, the Secretary-General of the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat, Mr. Tsewang Ngodup read out the leave of absence of the Member of Parliament and next week’s list of business.
The session adjourned till Monday, next week.
- filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat

Sixth Day of the Budget Session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in session. Photo/TPIE

Sixth Day of the Budget Session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in session. Photo/TPIE