By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 10: The three recently approved cabinet members of the Penpa Tsering led 16th Kashag has formally assumed their offices after taking the oath of office here on Wednesday. Former Principal Tharlam Dolma, Kasur Gyari Dolma and former TCHRD researcher Norzin Dolma took their oath of office from the Chief Justice commissioner Sonam Norbu Dagpo.
For the first time, three women have been appointed together in the same cabinet of a particular Kashag of the exile Tibetan government known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration.
The recipient of National award for teachers, Tharlam Dolma will oversee the Department of Education, succeeding her predessesor Dr. Pema Yangchen. “There are many challenges in the field of education that we need to overcome. For a wholesome education, it is absolutely necessary to create a healthy environment in schools. With the help from parents and teachers, we can encourage the students to hone skills needed in our society. This is one of the core objectives for the post of Kalon of the Department of Education [DoE]. Most importantly, follow-up action is needed,” Tharlam Dolma said in her first press response.
Kasur Gyari Dolma told the press that she was delighted to be serving as the head of Department of Security, “This time around, the Sikyong has allowed me to choose the department I wanted to lead, so I am very grateful for this opportunity. I believe many thought that this job is too sensitive for us to take up as no other woman has filled up this post before me. So, I take this responsibility very seriously.” The former Deputy Speaker was also appointed as the head of the Home Department during the 14th Kashag, and also ran for the recent Sikyong elections.
With her background as a researcher and advocate, Norzin Dolma will serve as the next head of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR). She has majored in Law and Diplomacy in Fletcher School at Tufts University, and has worked with TCHRD, and UN, EU & Human Rights Desk at CTA, and Tibet Fund. “As Tibet goes through a critical time, my appointment as Kalon has instilled in me a great sense of responsibility. As the head of DIIR, I think we need to direct more of our attention to the situation of Tibetans inside Tibet,” Norzin Dolma told to the press.
Three of the six Kalon nominations by CTA President were approved during the first session by the 17th Tibetan-Parliament-in-Exile. Two nominations, former Kalon Thupten Lungrik and TCV Director Tsultrim Dorjee, failed to secure 50% votes in the floor test.
