Tibetan Exile Parliament Proposes Rs 340.7 Crore Budget for 2026-27 in Dharamshala
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), based in Dharamshala, has formally proposed a budget of Rs 340.7 crore for the financial year 2026-27. This significant financial plan was unveiled during the ongoing budget session of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, marking a critical step in the administration's fiscal planning for the coming years.
Budget Presentation and Key Figures
The budget was presented on Monday by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, who currently holds the finance portfolio within the CTA. His proposal outlines the allocation of funds aimed at supporting the Tibetan community in exile, with a focus on preserving cultural and religious traditions. The session, which runs from March 16 to 30, is the 11th budget session of the 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile, highlighting the continuity of governance structures despite decades of displacement.
Speaker's Remarks and Acknowledgments
In his opening remarks, speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel paid tribute to the "tireless efforts of the 14th Dalai Lama" in supporting Tibetans living in exile. He emphasized the crucial role of external support, stating that the assistance from the Union government and people of India, along with numerous countries and international backers, has been instrumental. This support has enabled Tibetans to "preserve and promote their unique language, culture, and religious traditions during more than six decades of exile" while also raising global awareness of the Tibetan cause.
International Engagement and Delegation Visit
Amid the budget discussions, an Australian delegation participating in the Australia Tibet council's Tibet solidarity tour visited the parliament-in-exile on Tuesday. The delegation met with speaker Tenphel and deputy speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, underscoring ongoing international solidarity and engagement with the Tibetan community. This visit highlights the global network of support that continues to bolster the CTA's efforts in exile.
The proposed budget of Rs 340.7 crore reflects the CTA's commitment to sustaining its administrative functions and cultural initiatives, as it navigates the challenges of operating from Dharamshala. With acknowledgments to India and other supporters, this financial plan aims to strengthen the Tibetan cause on the international stage while ensuring the preservation of heritage for future generations.
