Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Mar. 19: On the second day of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s budget session on Tuesday, lawmakers deliberated on the Department of Finance’s budget, focusing strongly on the implications of the US funding freeze and strategies for financial self-reliance for the exile Tibetan set up.
MPs questioned the CTA administration’s response to the US funding cuts and the alternative plans for the upcoming fiscal year. A significant portion of the discussion centered on self-reliance, with some MPs urging the administration to present concrete plans for achieving financial independence. While some argued that self-reliance is challenging given Tibetans’ refugee status, others stressed the importance of collective effort between the administration and the public.
MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar questioned the cabinet on the concrete measures it has implemented for the new fiscal year. “While advocating for self-sufficiency is important, taking decisive action is even more critical. I had hoped that instead of prioritizing official visits to settlements, the Kashag would have convened an emergency meeting to formulate a clear strategy in response to the funding suspension. Moreover, rather than simply sending an official letter, I believe the President should have personally travelled to the United States to address the matter at the highest level.”
MP Ven. Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende criticized the Cabinet for failing to devise concrete plans for a self-reliant administration during his three years in office. “As elected leaders, we must develop strategies for a self-sustaining government. Rather than simply urging the public to reduce dependence on aid, we must lead by example—ensuring that we do not take these funds for granted and instead prioritize building a self-sufficient administration,” he asserted.
Fellow MP Mingyur Dorjee highlighted the wider impact of the new US administration’s “America First” policy, affecting Tibetans, the CTA, but also other nations. He cautioned Tibetans against uninformed social media remarks on funding cuts and stressed that self-reliance is a shared responsibility of both the Cabinet and Parliament. He further acknowledged that the Cabinet has already stated its commitment to exploring alternative revenue sources and expressed confidence that efforts are underway in that regard.
In response, President Penpa Tsering stated that as soon as the directive was issued, the cabinet held multiple discussions with stakeholders including the Department of Finance, the Office of Tibet in the US, and the Washington-based advocacy group International Campaign for Tibet (ICT).
Regarding questions said that he remains fully prepared to visit the US whenever necessary, should a relevant authority in the US administration be available for discussions. Providing an overview of the US funding situation, he noted that ₹500 million was received from US sources, with ₹340 million cut, mainly affecting minor initiatives and not core projects or housing initiatives.
