2019 book of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in English

An Excerpt from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Message to Members of the Fourteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile “I want to acknowledge here that many of my fellow Tibetans, inside and outside Tibet, have earnestly requested me to continue to give political leadership at this critical time. My intention to devolve political authority derives neither from a wish to shirk responsibility nor because I am disheartened. On the contrary, I wish to devolve authority solely for the benefit of the Tibetan people in the long run. It is extremely important that we ensure the continuity of our exile Tibetan administration and our struggle until the issue of Tibet has been successfully resolved.

If we have to remain in exile for several more decades, a time will inevitably come when I will no longer be able to provide leadership. Therefore, it is necessary that we establish a sound system of governance while I remain able and healthy, in order that the exile Tibetan administration can become self-reliant rather than being dependent on the Dalai Lama. If we are able to implement such a system from this time onwards, I will still be able to help resolve problems if called upon to do so. But, if the implementation of such a system is delayed and a day comes when my leadership is suddenly unavailable, the consequent uncertainty might present an overwhelming challenge. Therefore, it is the duty of all Tibetans to make every effort to prevent such an eventuality.

As one among the six million Tibetans, bearing in mind that the Dalai Lamas have a special historic and karmic relationship with the Tibetan people, and as long as Tibetans place their trust and faith in me, I will continue to serve the cause of Tibet.�

The Dalai Lama 11 March 2011

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

TIBETAN NATIONAL ANTHEM Let the radiant light shine of Buddha’s wish-fulfilling gem teachings, the treasure mine of all hopes for happiness and benefit in both worldly life and liberation.

O Protector who hold the jewel of the teachings and all beings, nourishing them greatly, may the sum of your virtuous deeds grow full.

Firmly enduring in a diamond-hard state, guard all directions with compassion and love.

Above our heads may divinely appointed rule abide endowed with a hundred benefits and let the power increase of four-fold auspiciousness.

May a new golden age of happiness and bliss spread throughout the three provinces of Tibet and the glory expand of religious-secular rule.

By the spread of Buddha’s teachings in the ten directions, may everyone throughout the world enjoy the glories of happiness and peace.

In the battle against dark negative forces may the auspicious sunshine of the teachings and beings of Tibet and the brilliance of a myriad radiant prosperities be ever triumphant.

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

EXPLANATION OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE NATIONAL FLAG OF TIBET

In the centre stands a magnificent snow-clad mountain, which represents the great nation of Tibet, widely known as the Land Surrounded by Snow Mountains.

The six red bands spread across the dark blue sky represent the original ancestors of the Tibetan people: the six tribes called Se, Mu, Dong, Tong, Dru and Ra which in turn gave the twelve descendants. The combination of six red bands for the tribes, and six dark blue bands for the sky, represent the unceasing enactment of the virtuous deeds of protection of the spiritual teachings and secular life by the black and red guardian-protector deities with which Tibet has been blessed since times immemorial.

At the tip of the snowy mountain the sun, with its rays shining brilliantly in all directions, represents the equal enjoyment of freedom, spiritual and material happiness and prosperity by all beings in the land of Tibet.

On the slopes of the mountain proudly stand a pair of snow lions, blazing with the manes of fearlessness, which represent the country’s victorious accomplishment of a unified spiritual and secular life.

The beautiful and radiant three-coloured jewel held aloft represents the ever-present reverence respectfully held by the Tibetan people towards the three supreme gems, the objects of refuge: the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

The two coloured swirling jewel held between the lions represents the peoples’ guarding and cherishing the self-discipline of correct ethical behaviour, principally represented by the practices of the ten exalted virtues and the sixteen human codes of conduct.

The framing with a yellow border symbolises the teachings of the Buddha, which are like pure, refined gold and unbounded in space and time, that are flourishing and spreading.

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

CONTENTS Preface -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Beginnings ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Clear Vision--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Democracy-In-Exile ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 First Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies (CTPD) -------------------------------------- 8 Second Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies (CTPD) --------------------------------- 10 Third Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies (CTPD) ----------------------------------- 12 Fourth Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies (CTPD) --------------------------------- 14 Fifth Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies (CTPD) ------------------------------------ 16 Sixth Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies (CTPD) ----------------------------------- 18 Seventh Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD)------------------------------------- 20 Eighth Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD) -------------------------------------- 22 Ninth Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD) --------------------------------------- 24 Tenth Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD) --------------------------------------- 26 The Interregnum Period ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 28 Eleventh Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD) ------------------------------------ 29 Twelfth Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD) ------------------------------------- 30 Thirteenth Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD)---------------------------------- 36 Fourteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPIE) --------------------------------------------- 38 Fifteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPIE) ----------------------------------------------- 41 Sixteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPIE) ----------------------------------------------- 44 Members of the Sixteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile --------------------------------------- 46 Powers and Functions of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile------------------------------------ 61 World Parliamentarian Convention on Tibet ------------------------------------------------ 63 The Parliamentary Secretariat ------------------------------------------------------------------ 64 Charter of the Tibetans-in-Exile --------------------------------------------------------------- 65 Far Flung Elections ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66 Central Tibetan Administration’s Organisational Structure --------------------------------- 67 Supreme Justice Commission ------------------------------------------------------------------ 68 The Kashag (Cabinet) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69 Members of the Fifteenth Kashag -------------------------------------------------------------- 72 Acknowledgements ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 76

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

PREFACE His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama assumed the onerous spiritual and temporal responsibility for the Tibetan people at the tender age of sixteen on 17 November 1950. Soon after his enthronement he introduced far-reaching administrative and land reforms in Tibet as a step towards democracy and the creation of a more equitable system for Tibetan society.

Unfortunately, due to the Chinese invasion in 1949/1950, he was unable to carry out these reforms in Tibet, and in 1959 he was forced along with 80,000 Tibetans to seek political asylum in India. However, his determination to move towards a democratic system remained unabated.

Before the Chinese invasion, Tibet was a fully sovereign and independent nation. Traditionally divided into the three provinces of U-Tsang, Dhotoe (Kham) and Dhomey (Amdo), Tibet maintained a unique identity throughout history, although there were varying degrees of influence over the centuries from the Mongols, Manchus and the Chinese.

Tibet’s ancient reputation was that of a nation of warriors. However, with the advent of Buddhism which came from India in the seventh century, Tibetans adapted Buddhist culture in their way of life and thus it took root in the following centuries. The blending of the Buddha’s teachings with Tibet’s harsh and pristine environment brought about a unique way of life marked by complete harmony between humans and nature.

The majority of Tibetans were deeply religious nomads and farmers and there existed thousands of centres of spiritual learning all over Tibet.

Over six thousand monasteries were plundered and destroyed during and following the invasion.

Besides, over 1.2 million Tibetans – almost 20%

of the entire population – were killed as a direct result of the invasion.

In exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama set up the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and worked to fulfill his vision to establish a vibrant democratic structure of governance for the Tibetan people. And within just one year, Tibetans for the first time were able to exercise universal suffrage by electing their representatives on 2 September 1960, which was later marked as Democracy Day. Subsequently, a draft Constitution for Future Tibet was promulgated in 1963. And in 1991, a Charter of the Tibetans-in-Exile, adopted by the Tibetan Parliament and enacted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, came into force. The Charter provided enlargement of the Tibetan Parliament with powers to elect members of the Kashag after nomination of candidates by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In 1992, the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission was formed, thereby completing the establishment of the three pillars of democracy. In 2001, the Tibetan Charter was revised yet again to allow direct election by the public for the post of Kalon Tripa (equivalent to Prime Minister). As a result of this amendment, His Holiness stated that henceforth he will be in a semi-retired stage.

However, the most important moment in the evolution of Tibetan democracy was yet to come.

In the run-up to the election of the third directlyelected Kalon Tripa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced in his Tibetan National Uprising Day statement on 10 March 2011 a historic decision to devolve all his political authority to elected leaders in an effort to fully democratise the Tibetan polity.

Following this seismic announcement, there were a lot of apprehension among the public. The

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Tibetans from all walks of life made repeated appeals to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to rescind his decision. However, His Holiness was resolute and stayed firm in his announcement. Hence, the Fourteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile had to amend the Charter of the Tibetans-in-Exile accordingly, whereby the political authority of His Holiness was transferred to the elected leaders of the Tibetan people. All these developments were literally imposed by His Holiness to enable the Tibetan populace to exercise a true and complete democracy. It should be noted that democratic reforms were usually a result of grassroots movements in other societies, but in the case of the Tibetan people, democracy was instituted as a result of a top-down initiative

by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Meanwhile, in contrast to the vibrant democratic reforms in exile, the situation inside Tibet continues to remain grim and alarming.

Since 2009, over 153 Tibetans have self-immolated in protest against the repressive policies of the Chinese government. Of the 153, 131 have succumbed to their injuries while the condition and whereabouts of the rest remain unknown to this day. Around 10 Tibetans in exile in India and Nepal have attempted to self-immolate so far.

Even today, Tibetans inside Tibet do not enjoy basic human rights, leave aside political freedom, while their religion is severely curbed; Tibetans

are treated as inferior and secondary citizens.

Moreover, under the facade of social and economic development, over seven million Han Chinese have been settled in Tibet. This completely changes the demographic pattern and makes Tibetans a minority in their own country. This process is further exacerbated by the ‘Western China Development Plan’ and the construction of railway projects to link Tibet with China. The very identity and future of the Tibetans is threatened and could face obliteration.

At such a critical juncture, it is hoped that the new leadership of the PRC (People’s Republic of China) will display a sense of responsible governance by taking cognizance of the situation inside Tibet and address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people. The Chinese government should also ensure the rights and freedom of the Tibetan people as enshrined in the PRC Constitution and the National Regional Autonomy Law. This seventh edition of Tibetan Parliament-inExile - An Introduction and Insight: 2019 provides an introduction to the previous fifteen Tibetan Parliaments with the inclusion of latest updates in order to keep the readers apprised of all the development in Tibetan democracy in exile.

Mr. Pema Jungney Speaker, Sixteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile September 2019

Map of Tibet prior to 1965

Tibet map divided by the People’s Republic of China

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

BEGINNINGS Sixty years have passed since the first group of Tibetans followed His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile in India. Tibetans fled their ancestral homes, taking with them whatever little they could carry over the treacherous, little-known passes in the high Himalayas, driven by the anxiety to escape oppression and killing under Chinese rule.

Soon the number of exiles rose to 80,000; it is now well over 130,000 and the exodus still continues. They are resettled in many countries all over the world, but mainly in India where the Government of India allocated plots of land for resettlement and provided facilities like schools, hospitals and social welfare schemes. The Governments of Nepal and Bhutan also provided generous assistance for the resettlement of a number of Tibetans.

From the time His Holiness sought refuge in India in early 1959, he has committed himself to the secular education of his people and to the establishment of representative democratic institutions which would foster the pride and selfconfidence that his people required for surviving in today’s world without losing their heritage.

Less than a year after seeking refuge in India, when he was only 24-years old, His Holiness the Dalai Lama outlined a programme designed to introduce the exiles to the practice of democratic self-rule without losing touch with their own traditions.

He formally outlined an introduction of democratic polity in February 1960 at Bodh Gaya (Bihar), where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago, thus emphasising the historic, cultural and religious links between Tibet and India. He advised the exile Tibetans to set up an elected body comprising of three exile representatives from

Crossing the border to freedom in India- March 1959

the three traditional Tibetan provinces and one each from the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Elections were duly held and 13 representatives termed as ‘Deputies’ were elected and designated as the ‘Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies’ (CTPD). They took their oath on 2 September 1960.

In the early 1990s, as per his vision of bringing the system closer to full democracy, His Holiness made further democratic reforms including the election of an interim Kashag (Cabinet) and expanded the strength of the Tibetan Parliament from 13 to 46. Until then the appointment of Kalons was the exclusive prerogative of His Holiness as desired by the Tibetan people.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, on the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001, suggested the direct election of a Kalon Tripa - the highest executive authority. The elected Kalon Tripa was to nominate candidates as other ministers (Kalons/Cabinet members) to be approved by the Tibetan parliament. This was when His Holiness announced his semi-retirement from politics and administration.

In 2011, in a historic development in the Tibetan democratic polity, His Holiness the Dalai Lama devolved the entire political authority to an elected Tibetan leadership.

This radical change of a fundamental nature gave substance to the proceedings of the Parliament, where the Kalons are now required to defend and explain the actions and functioning of the executive. The change has had other far reaching effects. Members of Parliament now discuss and lay down policies on issues which formerly were the preserve of His Holiness and his advisers.

They keep a close watch on foreign relations and on the wellbeing of Tibetans inside Tibet, in India and abroad.

His Holiness issuing a press statement in Mussoorie, India, in 1959.

His Holiness with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Smt. Indira Gandhi.

The first elected representative body, designated as the Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies.

The first Parliamentary Secretariat, inaugurated on 3 May 1966.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

CLEAR VISION

form of government will not be imposed in Tibet after the exiles return. Rather, the Central Tibetan Administration would be dissolved and no special positions would be reserved for its officials. A transitional government will supervise the setting-up of a freely elected Constituent Assembly which will determine the future form of the Tibetan government.

While the experience of those who have worked for the Central Tibetan Administration will be available to the new government, no special privileges will be given to them. Further, those Tibetans working in various departments presently under Chinese supervision have been assured that their services would continue.

A widely dispersed exile community, in whose traditional system in their independent homeland monk and lay officials were appointed to each ministry, now functions through elected leaders.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) is located in the hill town of Dharamshala on the lap of the Dauladhar range of the Himalayas in northern India. The Tibetan Plateau is not far from there. But the towering Himalayas remind the community-in-exile of the formidable challenge they must face for their return to their homeland.

The very name ‘Dharamshala,’ which in Hindi means resting place for travellers, is a poignant reminder that no matter how long they stay there, their home is elsewhere.

However, it is from this place in India that His Holiness the Dalai Lama keeps alive the hope of all Tibetans in exile of returning to a democratic Tibet. For His Holiness, however, the process of empowering the people to rule themselves and take decisions to determine their own destiny was an imperative that had far reaching implications for the future. Since the vast majority of the six million Tibetans are in Tibet, any particular

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

DEMOCRACY-IN-EXILE The democratisation of the Tibetan polity has long been an aspiration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He had, in fact, instigated the reforms in Tibet itself but was interrupted due to China’s invasion in 1949/50. Prior to China’s invasion, Tibetans experienced little or no democratic governance since important decisions were taken by the Tsogdu (National Assembly), a composition of Kalons (Cabinet ministers), abbots of the three great monasteries in Lhasa and societal representatives. No direct elections were held.

In his autobiography My Land and My People, His Holiness recalls how he appointed a Reform Committee of eminent citizens to redress the inequalities prevailing in Tibet. In the foreword to his 1963 Draft Constitution for a Future Tibet His Holiness said “Even prior to my departure from Tibet in March 1959, I had come to the conclusion that in the changing circumstances of the modern world, the system of governance in Tibet must be modified and amended so as to allow the elected representatives of the people to play a more effective role in guiding and shaping the social and economic policies of the State. I also firmly believed that this could only be done

Exile (1959)

First group of Tibetans followed the Dalai Lama into exile in India to escape from the oppression of Chinese rule.

through democratic institutions based on social and economic justice.”

The Tibetan democratic polity in exile has functioned through several stages to evolve to today’s status: 1960-1990, 1991-2001 and 2001-2011. After the establishment of a Tibetan Government-in-Exile (now called the Central Tibetan Administration) in 1959 in Mussoorie and later shifting to Dharamshala in 1960 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama outlined a detailed programme of democratising the Tibetan set up in exile. He advised the exile Tibetans to set up an elected body made up of three representatives each from the three traditional Tibetan provinces and one each from the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Elections were duly held and 13 representatives termed ‘Deputies’ were elected and designated as the ‘Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies’ (CTPD). To further his democratisation process, His Holiness suggested in the 1990s the expansion of the membership of the parliament from 13 to 46. And in 2001, Tibetans had their first directly-elected Kalon Tripa - the highest executive authority. At this stage, His Holiness the Dalai Lama declared himself to be in semi-retirement from his

First Parliament

Democracy (1960) Only 25-years-old, H.H. the Dalai Lama outlined a programme designed to introduce the exiles to the practice of democratic self-rule. He made the formal announcement in February 1960.

Left: The first elected representative body, designated as the Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies.

Right: The first Parliamentary Secretariat, built on 3 May 1966.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE political and administrative responsibilities for Tibet. In 2011, in a historic development in the Tibetan democratic polity, His Holiness the Dalai Lama devolved his entire political authority to an elected Tibetan leadership.

To lend a sense of commitment and responsibility towards each other, the Central Tibetan Administration requires all Tibetans above the age of six to pay at least one rupee

per month as a voluntary contribution. For this purpose, a Tibetan Freedom Movement subcommittee, known as Bhod Rangwang Denpai Legul (BRDL) was set up in Tibetan settlements in India, Nepal and Bhutan. This formalised the commitment of the entire community-in-exile to the democratic functioning of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The Duration and Membership of the Successive Parliaments First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh Eighth Ninth Tenth Eleventh Twelfth Thirteenth Fourteenth Fifteenth Sixteenth

CTPD “ “ “ “ “ ATPD “ “ “ “ “ “ TPiE “ “

From 02.09.1960 20.02.1964 02.09.1966 25.11.1969 25.12.1972 05.05.1976 02.09.1979 02.09.1982 02.09.1987 02.09.1988 29.05.1991 29.05.1996 31.05.2001 31.05.2006 30.05.2011 30.05.2016

To 19.02.1964 01.09.1966 24.11.1969 24.12.1972 04.05.1976 01.09.1979 01.09.1982 01.09.1987 01.09.1988 11.05.1990 28.05.1996 30.05.2001 30.05.2006 29.05.2011 29.05.2016 -

People to Decide (1991)

“From now on, the people’s decision will be final. I feel that the Dalai Lama should have no role here. The future assembly will be entrusted with the power of appointing the Kalons.”

-H. H. the Dalai Lama, May 1990

No. of Representatives 13 17 17 16 16 17 17 12 12 12 46 46 46 43 44 45

Members of the present Parliament

Samdhong Rinpoche became the first democratically-elected Kalon Tripa (political leader) after H.H. the Dalai Lama’s “semiretirement” in 2001.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay became the first S i k yong af t e r t h e devolution of H.H. the Dalai Lama’s entire political leadership in in 2011.

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Left:The members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Right: The present Parliamentary Secretariat, built on 11 March 2014.

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

FIRST COMMISSION OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (CTPD)

1960-1964

Front row - L to R: Lithang Jangtsatsang Tsering Gonpo, Atro Tulku Karma Shenphen Choekyi Dawa, Rebkong Rongpo Gonchen Alag Trigen Jamyang (resigned, replaced by Tongkhor Trulku Lobsang Jangchub), Sermey Chiso Lobsang Namgyal, Gyalrong Trochu Dorje Palsang, Ladrang Tashikyil Gungthang Tsultrim Back row - L to R: Tehor Sadu Lobsang Nyendak, Jeshong Tsewang Tamdin, Chushur Samkhar Tsering Wangdue, Drawupon Rinchen Tsering, Chongye Khartsang Chukhor Dashe Gyapon Kelsang Damdul, Digu Shiwog Tamshul Dhedong Wandi Dorjee Not in Photo: Karma Thubten Nyingma: Karma Thubten Sakya:

Jeshong Tsewang Tamdin

Kagyue: Atro Trulku Karma Shenphen Choekyi Dawa Gelug:

Sermey Chiso Lobsang Namgyal

U. Tsang: Chushur Samkhar Tsering Wangdue, Digu Shiwog Tamshul Dhedong Wangdi Dorjee, Chongye Khartsang Chukhor Dashe Gyapon Kalsang Damdul Dhotoe: Drawupon Rinchen Tsering, Lithang Jangtsatsang Tsering Gonpo, Tehor Sadu Lobsang Nyendak Dhomey: Rebkong Rongpo Gonchen Alag Trigen Jamyang (resigned, replaced by Tongkhor Trulku Lobsang Jangchub), Ladrang Tashikyil Gungthang Tsultrim, Gyalrong Trochu Dorje Palsang

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE As part of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision, 13 Deputies were elected and took oath of office on 2 September 1960. This legislative body was called the ‘Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies’ (CTPD).

For the first time, a week-long joint meeting of the elected deputies and the cabinet members was held to discuss the positive aspects and the shortcomings of the existing Tibetan polity, the future course of action, the expansion of the existing departments of the Central Tibetan Administration and the appointment of civil servants. The members proposed a list of 29 names to administer the Councils of Religion, Home, Foreign Relations, Education, and the offices of Finance, Information, Security and Civil Service Commission.

However, the Commission at that time had no secretariat and the facilities for its functioning were limited. Therefore, the Deputies were assigned to various departments of the CTA to enable them to gain experience, while the supervision of the infant administration was entrusted to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Kalons. This practice was followed till the fourth CTPD. The Deputies met twice monthly to assess the situation and discuss important issues. They along with members of the Kashag and the administrative heads of the departments, met as the National Working Committee once every six months to report and review activities. The Chairmanship was on a rotation basis among the members.

On 10 March 1961, during the second anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day, His Holiness announced the formulation of a draft constitution based on the principles of contemporary democracy. His Holiness sought views and suggestions from the people.

On 10 October 1961, a synoptic version of a draft Constitution was circulated amongst the Tibetan diaspora. The Settlement Officers, Deputies and civil servants unanimously appreciated the draft Constitution and pledged to follow its provisions which incorporated traditional Tibetan values within modern democratic norms. However, they expressed their inability to accept the provisions which could curtail the powers of His Holiness.

Eventually, on 10 March 1963, His Holiness promulgated the Constitution consisting of 10 chapters and 77 articles. He also made structural changes to the administrative institutions and appointment of civil servants. The traditional practice of hereditary appointments to the civil service was abolished. The term of the elected representatives was set at three years. It was also decided to elect a Chair and a Vice Chair of the Commission.

At the local level, since 8 February 1964 rules were framed concerning terms and the election of a three-member Gharthue (local deputies) in the larger settlements. The members were to be a representative from each of Tibet’s three provinces elected directly by the people to assist the settlement representative in overseeing developmental activities.

In 1960, the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Delhi and the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office, Kathmandu, were established.

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, earlier known as the Tibetan Dance and Drama Troupe, formed in 1959 in Kalimpong, moved to Dharamshala in 1961.

The Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute was established in 1961.The Central School for Tibetans, Mussoorie and Tibetan Children’s Village school at Dharamshala were founded in 1960.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

SECOND COMMISSION OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (CTPD)

1964-1966

Front row - L to R: Back row 1 - L to R: Back row 2 - L to R:

Not in Photo:

Jeshong Tsewang Tamdin (Chairman), Chushur Samkhar Tsering Wangdu (Vice Chairman) Loling Tsachag Lobsang Khenrab, Alag Tongkhor Trulku Lobsang Jangchub, Ratoe Chuwar Trulku, Dege Palyul Trulku Jampel Lodoe, Kirti Jamyang Sonam, Kongtsa Jampa Choedak Chamdo Yabtsang Dechen Dolma, Lodoe Choeden, Chongye Khartsang Chukhor Dashe Gyapon Kelsang Damdul, Dege Jagoetsang Namgyal Dorje, Lithang Jangtsatsang Tsering Gonpo (appointed to Education Kalon, replaced

by Drawupon Rinchen Tsering), Tehor Sadutsang Lobsang Nyendak Ngawang Choesang, Taring Rinchen Dolma, Taklha Tsering Dolma

Councils of Information, Security, Civil Service, Welfare and Education were established.

In 1964, Offices of Tibet in New York (shifted to Washington DC in 2014) and Geneva were established.

Tibet House was established in Delhi in 1965.

Tibetan Settlements were established in Sonada, Pandoh, Tibetan Handicraft Centre- Shimla, Tibetan Women’s Handicraft Centre-Rajpur, Tashi Jong, Sataun and Rasowa in 1965 and Mundgod, Solan, Chauntra, Kumrao, Bir Dege and Pokhara Tashi Ling in 1966.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nominated:

Ratoe Chuwar Trulku

Nyingma:

Dege Palyul Trulku Jampel Lodoe

Sakya:

Jeshong Tsewang Tamdin (Chairman)

Kagyue:

Lodoe Choeden

Gelug:

Loling Tsachag Lobsang Khenrab

U-Tsang:

Chushur Samkhar Tsering Wangdu (Vice Chairman), Ngawang Choesang, Chongye Khartsang Chukhor Dashe Gyapon Kelsang Damdul, Taring Rinchen Dolma

Dhotoe:

Dege Jagoetsang Namgyal Dorje, Chamdo Yabtsang Dechen Dolma, Tehor Sadutsang Lobsang Nyandak, Lithang Jangtsatsang Tsering Gonpo (appointed to Education Kalon, replaced by Drawupon Rinchen Tsering)

Dhomey:

Kirti Jamyang Sonam, Alag Tongkhor Trulku Lobsang Jangchub, Taklha Tsering Dolma, Kongtsa Jampa Choedak

The membership of the second and third CTPD was increased from 13 to 17 with an additional seat reserved for a female deputy from each of the three traditional provinces while His Holiness the Dalai Lama started nominating an eminent person as per the new constitution.

In 1965, the Commission, as envisaged by His Holiness, abolished the inherited bipolar practice in Tibet of appointing monks and lay oďŹƒcials to each oďŹƒce. The use of hereditary titles and

prerogatives were withdrawn. The Commission restructured the rules of public service and framed new ranks and designations.

On 3 May 1966, a separate Commission House and Secretariat was set up at Dharamshala.

The elected Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Commission assumed the status of a Minister while the other Deputies were de facto ViceMinisters.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

THIRD COMMISSION OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (CTPD)

1966-1969

Front row - L to R: Middle row - L to R: Back row - L to R:

Not in Photo:

Jheshong Tsewang Tamdin (Chairman), Chongye Khartsang Chukhor Dashe Gyapon Kelsang Damdul (Vice Chairman) Chamdo Yabtsang Dechen Dolma, Chushur Samkhar Tsering Wangdu, Rebkong Rongpo Gonchen Alag Jigmey Lhundub, Alag Tongkhor Trulku Lobsang Jangchub, Taktser Gawa Yangdol, Tehor Sadutsang Lobsang Nyendak Gyaltse Rishing Tsaphu Tsewang Rinchen, Lodoe Tharchin, Kirti Senge, Drawupon Rinchen Tsering, Dege Jagoetsang Namgyal Dorjee, Loling Tsachag Lobsang Khenrab, Kathok Oentrul Rinpoche (resigned, replaced by Taklung Nyima Sangpo) Sakya Dha Damo Cha’i Khenpo, Taring Rinchen Dolma

The Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies was established in 1967 as a special wing of Varanasi Sanskrit University (Sampuranand Sanskrit University).

The Finance Department was elevated to a full-fledged department and the US Office of Tibet was merged with the Foreign Relations Office in 1969.

Bir-Tibetan Society, Tibetan Welfare Office-Dharamshala and Tibetan Settlement in Poanta Sahib were established in 1967, and Bylakuppe-Dekyi Larsoe, Ladakh and Puruwala in 1969.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nominated:

Sakya Dha Damo Cha’i Khenpo

Nyingma:

Kathok Oentrul Rinpoche (resigned, replaced by Taklung Nyima Sangpo)

Sakya:

Jheshong Tsewang Tamdin (Chairman)

Kagyue:

Lodoe Tharchin

Gelug:

Loling Tsachag Lobsang Kyenrab

U-Tsang:

Chongye Khartsang Chukhor Dashe Gyapon Kelsang Damdul (Vice Chairman), Chushur Samkhar Tsering Wangdu, Ngawang Choesang, Taring Rinchen Dolma, Gyaltse Rishing Tsaphu Tsewang Rinchen

Dhotoe:

Dege Jagoetsang Namgyal Dorjee, Tehor Sadutsang Lobsang Nyendak, Chamdo Yabtsang Dechen Dolma, Drawupon Rinchen Tsering

Dhomey:

Rebkong Rongpo Gonchen Alag Jigme Lhundub, Kirti Senge, Alag Tongkhor Trulku Lobsang Jangchub, Taktser Gawa Yangdol

In 1969, the third CTPD decided to call an Annual (National Level) General Meeting instead of the existing bi-annual meetings.

The Deputies gained considerable experience in the workings of the administration while they were attached with the departments. By the end of the third CTPD, they began to oversee the

working of the entire CTA by scrutinising the administration and holding the Kashag responsible for any lapses in redressing public grievances.

Thus, the Commission acted as a bridge between the people and the administration. This was the turning point in the functioning of the legislative body.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

FOURTH COMMISSION OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (CTPD)

1969-1972

Front row - L to R: Back row -L to R:

Not in Photo:

Taklung Nyima Sangpo (Chairman), Tehor Tsewang Trinley (Vice Chairman) Dachi Phunrabpa Lobsang Dhargye, Kyidong Norbu Tsering, Choney Phagpa Tsering, Gyaltse Rishing Tsaphu Tsewang Rinchen, Rebkong Gonchen Alag Jigmey Lhundrub, Lobsang Paljor, Taktser Gawa Yangdol, Gonpo Tashi, Ludhing Shabdrung Jigmey Gyaltsen, Dege Phuma Rinam, Sakya Jetsun Chime Dolkar, Lithang Adruktsang Tamdin Choekyi Drugchen Thugsey Ngawang Dechen, Gyalthangpa Karchen Chagzoe Thubten Gelek

Establishment of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in 1970 and Tibetan Delek Hospital in 1971.

The Information Office was set up separately in 1972.

Tibetan Settlement in Lhong-tso was established in 1970 in Bhutan.

Tibetan Settlements in Hunsur in India, Lotserok in Nepal and Boe-gar-nang Namgyal Ling and Samtenling in Bhutan were established in 1971.

Tibetan Settlements in Bhandara, Tenzin Gang, Herbertpur-Yugyaling, Lingtsang and Pokhara Paljorling were instituted in 1972.

14

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nyingma:

Taklung Nyima Sangpo (Chairman)

Sakya:

Ludhing Shabdrung Jigmey Gyaltsen

Kagyue:

Drugchen Thugsey Ngawang Dechen

Gelug:

Lobsang Paljor

U-Tsang:

Dachi Phunrabpa Lobsang Dhargye, Sakya Jetsun Chime Dolkar, Gyaltse Rishing Tsaphu Tsewang Rinchen, Kyidong Norbu Tsering

Dhotoe:

Tehor Tsewang Trinley (Vice Chairman), Dege Phuma Rinam, Lithang Adruktsang Tamdin Choekyi, Gyalthangpa Karchen Chagzoe Thubten Gelek

Dhomey:

Rebkong Gonchen Alag Jigme Lhundub, Choney Phagpa Tsering, Taktser Gawa Yangdol, Gonpo Tashi

From the fourth CTPD, His Holiness ceased to appoint any direct nominee. Hence the membership became 16 for the fourth and fifth CTPD. The first Annual General Meeting was held in 1970 in conjunction with the anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. People’s representatives, administrators at all levels and monastic representatives participated in this meeting in order to report and review their activities. This practice was followed till 1981.

In 1972, a group of public-spirited Tibetans from Varanasi approached the administration with

a ten-point memorandum and sought permission to visit Tibetan settlements to rouse the Tibetan public’s support for their action plan regarding the cause of Tibet’s freedom. The permission was granted, and in July 1972 the preliminary convention of the Tibetan Freedom Movement was held. The rules concerning the setting up and workings of the movement were enacted.

The Tibetan Freedom Movement SubCommittee, known as Bhod Rangwang Denpai Legul (BRDL), was set up in Tibetan settlements and colonies in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Systematically, the Sub-Committee replaced the Gharthue.

15

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

FIFTH COMMISSION OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (CTPD)

1972-1976

Front row - L to R:

Back row - L to R: Not in Photo:

Ngaba Dhuedul Trulku Lobsang Thubten, Ritrul Rigzin Choegyal, Dege Juchen Thubten Namgyal - (Chairman from 1974-76, after demise of Tehor Tsewang Trinley), Gyalrong Dakteng Ghajang Lobsang Choeden, Tsedhong Ngawang Sangpo Nangchen Dhompatsang Tsering Choedon, Shetse Rikha Lobsang Tenzin, Bha Lakha Trulku Thubten Dorje, Dachi Phunrabpa Lobsang Dhargye, Drikung Genyen Choedon Rebkong Gonchen Alag Jigme Lhundub (Vice Chairman), Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin, Gonpo Dorje, Ladrang Jigmey Gyatso, Gyalrong Barkham Tashi Kyi

In 1973 the Public Service Commission was set up as an independent office, which earlier functioned under the Department of Security. Likewise, in 1975 the Audit Office, which previously came under the Department of Finance, started functioning independently.

The South-East Asia (Tokyo) office of the Representative of His Holiness was established in 1975.

Tibetan Settlements were established in Kollegal and Lo-Drigzuk in 1974 and Gangtok and Pokhara Jampaling in 1975.

16

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nyingma:

Ritrul Rigzin Choegyal

Sakya:

Tsedhong Ngawang Sangpo

Kagyue:

Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin

Gelug:

Gyalrong Dakteng Ghajang Lobsang Choeden

U-Tsang:

Shetse Rikha Lobsang Tenzin, Drikung Ghenyen Choedon, Dachi Phunrabpa Lobsang Dhargye, Gonpo Dorje.

Dhotoe:

Tehor Tsewang Trinley (Chairman for two years), Bha Lakha Trulku Thubten Dorje, Dege Juchen Thubten Namgyal (Chairman after Tehor Tsewang Trinley’s demise), Nangchen Dhompatsang Tsering Choedon

Dhomey:

Rebkong Gonchen Alag Jigme Lhundub (Vice Chairman), Ladrang Jigmey Gyatso, Ngaba Dhuedul Trulku Lobsang Thubten, Gyalrong Barkham Tashi Kyi

A new set of rules on recruitments, appointments and transfers within the civil service was announced on 25 August 1973.

Till the fifth CTPD, the Election Commission adopted many different ways and means to elect the members of CTPD. In 1974, the election system was reviewed based on the reality of the exile Tibetan situation and including positive elements from India’s electoral system.

On 21 November 1974, a new set of electoral

rules were put in place. This did away with reservation of seats for women in the Commission.

In 1975, the National Annual Committee, chaired by the Chairman of the CTPD, began to approve and sanction the budget of the entire CTA which was until then the prerogative of the Kashag.

In the same year, during the National Annual General Meeting, it was decided to commemorate 2 September as the founding day of Tibetan Democracy and declared it as a national holiday.

17

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

SIXTH COMMISSION OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (CTPD)

1976-1979

Front row - L to R:

Back row - L to R: Not in Photo:

Tsering Gyaltsen, Gyalrong Ghajang Lobsang Choeden, Gha Ayang Trulku, Rebkong Gonchen Alag Jigmey Lhundub (Chairman), Dachi Phunrabpa Lobsang Dhargye (Vice Chairman), Tsedhong Ngawang Sangpo, Dege Yungdrung Namgyal Drawupon Rinchen Tsering, Kala Gonshar Dorje Damdul, Dekyi Dolkar, Chabcha Kalden, Drikung Genyen Choedon, Tanag Kunsang Paljor, Nangchen Dhompastang Tsering Choedon, Hortsang Lobsang Tenzin Shodho Gyatsoling Thupten Jungney, Bhalakha Trulku Thupten Dorjee

Ravangla Tibetan Settlement was established in 1978.

18

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nyingma:

Tsering Gyaltsen

Sakya:

Tsedhong Ngawang Sangpo

Kagyue:

Gha Ayang Trulku

Gelug:

Gyalrong Ghajang Lobsang Choeden

Bon:

Dege Yungdrung Namgyal

U-Tsang:

Dachi Phunrabpa Lobsang Dhargye (Vice Chairman), Kala Gonshar Dorje Damdul, Tanag Kunsang Paljor, Drikung Genyen Choedon

Dhotoe:

Drawupon Rinchen Tsering, Shodho Gyatsoling Thubten Jungney, Bha Lakha Trulku Thubten Dorje, Nangchen Dhompatsang Tsering Choedon

Dhomey:

Rebkong Gonchen Alag Jigme Lhundub (Chairman), Hortsang Lobsang Tenzin, Dekyi Dolkar, Chabcha Kalden

On 5 October 1977, the strength of the CTPD was increased to 17 with an addition of a new Deputy representing Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet. Thus, in addition to the four Buddhist traditions, followers of Bon also aquired a separate Deputy in the Commission.

In the same year, the annual budget session

began to be held on 1 February instead of 1 April.

In 1979, the term of Cabinet Ministers was fixed to five years and His Holiness was again entrusted to appoint or dismiss any Cabinet Ministers.

By the end of the sixth CTPD, the Commission was appropriately renamed the ‘Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies’ (ATPD).

19

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

SEVENTH ASSEMBLY OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (ATPD)

1979-1982

Front row - L to R:

Back row - L to R:

Tsedhong Ngawang Sangpo, Tsering Gyaltsen, Sangling Tsewang Namgyal, Nyagrong Gyari Trulku Lodoe Gyaltsen (Chairman), Kala Gonshar Dorje Damdul (Vice Chairman), Nyagrey Samshung Kalsang Yeshi, Dege Yungdrung Namgyal Chatreng Ngawang, Nangra Rigzin, Nubpa Choedak Gyatso, Lithang Athar Norbu, Cheypa Alag Lobsang Jampel, Dekyi Dolkar, Chabcha Kalden, Gha Tridhupon Chime Namgyal, Tanag Kunsang Paljor, Kyidong Ngodup Tsering

From 1980, the Kalons decided to sit in the Cabinet to concentrate on overall policy formulation and implementation, and entrust the day-to-day administration of the Department to their Secretaries.

The Office of Tibet, London, was established in 1981.

A Tibetan settlement in Dekyiling, Dehradun was set up in 1981.

The Health Department was established in the Central Tibetan Administration in 1982.

20

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nyingma:

Tsering Gyaltsen

Sakya:

Tsedhong Ngawang Sangpo

Kagyue:

Sangling Tsewang Namgyal

Gelug:

Nyagrey Samshung Kalsang Yeshi

Bon:

Dege Yungdrung Namgyal

U-Tsang:

Kala Gonshar Dorje Damdul (Vice Chairman), Tanag Kunsang Paljor, Nubpa Choedak Gyatso, Kyidrong Ngodup Tsering

Dhotoe:

Nyagrong Gyari Lodoe Gyaltsen (Chairman), Lithang Athar Norbu, Chatreng Ngawang, Gha Tridhupon Chime Namgyal

Dhomey:

Cheypa Alag Lobsang Jampel, Chabcha Kalden, Nangra Rigzin, Dekyi Dolkar

As decided during the 1981 Annual General Meeting, the meeting would now be held once every two years rather than annually.

So far, the members of the ATPD were elected proportionately by the people of the respective provinces of Tibet, irrespective of the numerical strength of the electorates in exile from these different groups. Due to persistent campaigns by the Tibetan Youth Congress since 1974, demanding

the Deputies be elected by the combined electorate of the people of the three provinces, in 1981 the High-Level Standing Committee - through a majority vote, - agreed to the petition. However, the Dotoe (Kham) community protested that the existing system was adequate. Thus, the Committee revised its decision and concluded that a primary election would be held, from which His Holiness would select the members for the new ATPD.

21

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

EIGHTH ASSEMBLY OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (ATPD)

1982-1987

Front row - L to R: Back row - L to R:

Taklung Nyima Sangpo (Chairman), Gyalrong Dragteng Gajang Lobsang Choeden (Vice Chairman) Ladrang Lobsang Tinley, Choeying Gyaltsen (demised, replaced by Sangling Tsewang Namgyal), Gomang Tenpa, Lhagyari Trichen Namgyal Gyatso, Kongpo Nyang-gya Lobsang Rabgye, Bhapa Lungkhar Ngawang Tashi, Dreru Gyalsey Trulku (resigned, replaced by Shalu Sonam), Toe Ngari Shungpa Kyunglo Dakpa Namgyal, Yanchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo, Dege Jagoetsang Sey Dhonyoe

The Chief Representative Office, South Zone in Bangalore, South India was set up in 1987.

22

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nominated:

Lhagyari Trichen Namgyal Gyatso

Nyingma:

Taklung Nyima Sangpo (Chairman)

Sakya:

Dreru Gyalsey Trulku (resigned, replaced by Shalu Sonam)

Kagyue:

Choeying Gyaltsen (demised, replaced by Sangling Tsewang Namgyal)

Gelug:

Gyalrong Dragteng Gajang Lobsang Choeden (Vice Chairman)

Bon:

Yanchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo

U-Tsang:

Kongpo Nyang-gya Lobsang Rabgye, Toe Ngari Shungpa Kyunglo Dakpa Namgyal

Dhotoe:

Dege Jagoetsang Sey Dhonyoe, Bhapa Lungkhar Ngawang Tashi

Dhomey:

Gongma Tenpa, Ladrang Lobsang Tinley

As entrusted, His Holiness appointed all the Deputies from the primary election. His Holiness reduced the number of Deputies to two each from the three provinces, five Deputies from the religious traditions, plus one eminent member appointed by His Holiness making the total strength 12.

In 1984, the Election Commission announced the election schedule for the ninth ATPD. Again, the Dhotoe (Kham) public demanded the continuance of the previous system, and, in view of it, on the advice of His Holiness, a meeting was held under the auspices of the ATPD, which included representatives of the traditional provinces, the Tibetan Youth Congress and new arrivals from Tibet. It was decided that so long as a unanimous

decision could not be reached, His Holiness would appoint the Assembly members.

During the meeting, the term of the ATPD was increased from three to five years. The oďŹƒcial announcement was made on 8 July 1985.

In order to further the process of democratisation, and to prepare Tibetans for political responsibilities in the eventuality of the absence of His Holiness, in 1986 the Kashag was authorised to discuss the possibilities of direct elections to the Kashag (cabinet) or a system of administration by political parties. However, led by ATPD members, all civic leaders pleaded that His Holiness must continue with his existing responsibilities.

23

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

NINTH ASSEMBLY OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (ATPD)

1987-1988

Front row - L to R: Back row - L to R:

Dragteng Ghachang Lobsang Choeden (Chairman), Nubpa Choedak Gyatso (Vice Chairman) Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin, Yanchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo, Jamyang Soepa, Dege Jagoetsang Sey Dhonyoe, Lhagyari Trichen Namgyal Gyatso, Dasur Gapa Nyisang, Gomang Tenpa, Kongpo Nyangya Lobsang Rabgye, Gyasur Gonshar Tashi Wangdue, Ladrang Soepa Gyatso

In 1988 a Planning Commission was set up in the Central Tibetan Administration.

24

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nominated:

Lhagyari Trichen Namgyal Gyatso

Nyingma:

Nubpa Choedak Gyatso (Vice Chairman)

Sakya:

Jamyang Soepa

Kagyue:

Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin

Gelug:

Dragteng Ghajang Lobsang Choeden (Chairman)

Bon:

Yanchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo

U-Tsang:

Kongpo Nyangya Lobsang Rabgye, Gyasur Gonshar Tashi Wangdue

Dhotoe:

Dasur Gapa Nyisang, Dege Jagoetsang Sey Dhonyoe

Dhomey:

Gomang Tenpa, Ladrang Soepa Gyatso

His Holiness nominated all the members of the ninth Assembly, as with the previous term.

This was an interim measure proposed during the National General Assembly, and approved by the High-Level Standing Committee, till

a commonly agreed solution was found for the issues raised during the seventh ATPD. The ninth Assembly lasted only one year as the election of the tenth ATPD was notified.

25

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

TENTH ASSEMBLY OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (ATPD)

1988-1990

Front row - L to R: Back row - L to R:

Gomang Tenpa, Nubpa Choedak Gyatso (Chairman), Tridupon Chime Namgyal (Vice Chairman after resignation of Dege Jagoetsang Sey Dhonyoe), Lha Gyari Trichen Namgyal Gyatso, Yanchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo, Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin, Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Dhasur Gapa Nyisang (resigned, replaced by Dhonyen Serga), Chabcha Kalden, Ladrang Soepa Gyatso, Ngawang Gelek, Tsering Dhondup

A Reception Centre was separately set up in 1989 to look after the welfare of the new arrivals from Tibet which was earlier taken care by the Security Department since 1979.

26

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nominated:

Lhagyari Trichen Namgyal Gyatso

Nyingma:

Nubpa Choedak Gyatso (Chairman)

Sakya:

Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney

Kagyue:

Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin

Gelug:

Gomang Tenpa

Bon:

Yanchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo

U-Tsang:

Ngawang Gelek, Tsering Dhondup

Dhotoe:

Tridupon Chime Namgyal (Vice Chairman), Dhasur Gapa Nyisang (resigned, replaced by Dhonyen Serga)

Dhomey:

Chabcha Kalden, Ladrang Soepa Gyatso

On 3 September 1988, during His Holiness’ first audience to the tenth ATPD, he stressed that Tibetans should educate themselves about democracy and be able to shoulder more responsibilities of the Central Tibetan Administration. He also said that the members of the Assembly should be elected by the people rather than being appointed by him.

Likewise, the administrators of the Tibetan settlements were to be elected locally. Similarly, the eligibility of the continuity of ministers in the Kashag, after their 5-year tenure, should be thoroughly discussed and implemented accordingly. These and other guidelines were given to all Tibetans in and outside Tibet, time and again, to establish a truly democratic society.

However, due to lack of education in democracy, and the entrenched traditional mindset of the

people - and considering the international Tibetan political situation - both the draft Constitution as well as the repeated advice of His Holiness could not be implemented in totality. Nevertheless, efforts had been made in organisational reforms and in educating the public about democratic ideology and practices in the last three decades.

However, the Tibetans, both in and outside Tibet, remained unflinching in their ardent wish to only follow the direct leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Again, on 6 May 1989, during the National General Assembly, His Holiness emphasised the need for more democratic reforms including election of a head of the CTA, and suggested the formation of a Constitution Drafting Committee.

The Tibetan leaders and people felt that their

27

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE inherent faith in His Holiness was more democratic than any other alternative and pledged to undertake democratic reforms while pleading His Holiness not to withdraw his leadership.

Due to His Holiness’ unswerving recommendations for more democratic reforms, the Kashag initiated a two-day conference on 29-30 August 1989 with 230 participants including members of the ATPD, CTA, NGOs and Institutes, and representatives of recently-arrived Tibetans from Tibet.

Following the conference, the Kashag circulated a five-point discussion paper for feedback from Tibetans both in exile and in Tibet.

The five points were: 1. Whether to have a Prime Minister in the existing governmental set-up?

2. Should the Ministers be elected or appointed as before by His Holiness?

3. Should a political party system be introduced to form the government?

4. Should any change be made over the number of ATPD members and their responsibilities?

5. What other democratic changes can be made?

A total of 287 suggestions were received from Tibetans inside and outside Tibet and a summary was submitted to His Holiness. On 11 May 1990, a Special People’s Congress was convened with 369 participants from members of the ATPD, CTA, former Kalons, representatives of NGOs and institutes, and religious schools and recentlyarrived Tibetans from Tibet, to discuss the overwhelming suggestions and feedback received from the Tibetan populace. It was decided that the members of the ATPD would no longer be appointed by His Holiness but his power to appoint ministers would be retained.

On the day the existing Kashag and ATPD were declared dissolved, His Holiness directed the Congress to elect an interim Kashag to hold office until the proclamation of the new Charter.

The ATPD remained dissolved till the new Charter was adopted.

28

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

THE INTERREGNUM PERIOD

12-05-1990 to 28-05-1991

His Holiness appointed the Constitution Review Committee to draft a democratic Charter for the Tibetans in exile as well as to review the existing Draft Constitution for Future Tibet.

The draft Charter for the Tibetans in exile was to incorporate well defined provisions based on the realities of the situation in exile. Although His Holiness agreed to be the leader of the Tibetan people and administration, owing to the prevailing circumstances, he emphasised that once the Tibetan problem is resolved in future, the country should be a truly democratic republic headed by a popularly-elected leader.

The Charter Drafting Committee consulted a number of Tibetan and non-Tibetan experts and scholars and came out with a draft charter that was based on the Constitution of 1963, His Holiness’ Five-Point Peace Plan address to the U.S. Congressional Human Right’s Caucus in 1987, His Holiness’ address to the European Parliament in 1988, His Holiness’ address to the tenth ATPD in 1988, the sixteenth General Assembly in 1989 and the Special People’s Congress on 11 May 1990.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT In 1990, 30 years after initiating the democratic process, His Holiness announced a dramatic change, empowering the Assembly to conform to established norms of democracy.

On 11 May 1990, His Holiness announced that he was renouncing the authority vested in him to approve the members of the Assembly and to supervise its functioning. “From now on,” he declared, “the people’s decision will be final. I feel that the Dalai Lama should have no role here. The future Assembly will be entrusted with the power of appointing the Kalons.” He then declared the tenth Assembly dissolved.

That, however, was not all. His Holiness went on to outline proposals for expanding the membership of the Assembly, for electing Kalons, who are not members of the Assembly, for giving more representation to women, and on the advisability of setting up two houses of the legislature.

He spoke on the need for a judicial tribunal to look into the people’s complaints and also on other requirements of a fully functioning democracy. The future administration was thus projected as a fully democratic administration capable of shouldering greater responsibilities.

On 29 May 1991, His Holiness addressed the eleventh Assembly on the outcome of his epochal pronouncement of the previous year. The membership of the Assembly had risen from 12 to 46 and represented all sections of the Tibetan community in exile.

29

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (ATPD)

1991-1996

Front row L to R:

Back row 1 L to R:

Back row 2 L to R:

Back row 3 L to R: Not in Photo:

Gashar Geshe Lobsang Wangyal, Bedhoe Thubten Woeser, Toe Gegye Kunga Tsering, Gomang Tenpa, Yanchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo (Vice Chairman), Loling Samdhong Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin (Chairman), Ghojo Tsering Phuntsok, Gha-Tridu Chemi Namgyal (resigned, replaced by Nangchen Trulku Ogyen Tobgye), Khetsun Sangpo, Loling Nyakrey Yonten Phuntsok, Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin, Kirti Dolkar Lhamo Sangngak Choeling Tsering Dorje, Markham Sonam Tobgyal, Kyidong Nyima Dhondub, Dege Chime Dorje, Ladrang Gonpo Dhondub, Gyaltse Namgyal Wangdue, Ngari Thoding Norbu Dhargye, Dagne Zonga Pema Tsewang, Ngari Sumkyil Karma Gyatso, Taktser Tenzin Choedon, Rebkong Dhugkar Tsering, Ngari Tadhun Karma Choephel, Dumpa Sharling Pema Dechen, Tsering Paldon, Ladrang Soepa Gyatso, Thewo Kirti Tashi Dhondub, Lingtsang Tenkyab (resigned, replaced by Thubten Nyima), Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Markham Thubten Samdub, Lithang Atruk Tamdin Choekyi, Mwo Gonpo Tso Nangchen Dompatsang Tsering Choedon (demised, replaced by Karze Pema Choejor), Rongchung Namkha Tenzin, Lithang Nagkhung Dorje, Phenpo Ngawang Gelek (demised, replaced by Gonshar Tashi Wangdue) Dege Jamyang Soepa, Domo Geshe Namgyal Nyima, Dingri Rachu Tsering Lhamo (demised, replaced by Drikung Genyen Choedon), Dege Lingtsang Pema Delek, Dhonyen Serga, Dege Hocho Kunga Yonten, Nyakrong Gyari Dolma, Ngari Rinpoche Tenzin Choegyal, Phuntsok Wangyal

Establishment of three autonomous bodies of CTA in 1991: Election Commission, Public Service Commission and Office of the Auditor General. The Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission was instituted in 1992. The Offices of Tibet in Canberra, Australia and Brussels were set up in 1992, and Office of Tibet in Moscow, Russia in 1993.

30

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nominated:

Loling Samdhong Trulku Lobsang Tenzin (Chairman), Khetsun Sangpo, Mwo Gonpo Tso

Nyingma:

Lingtsang Tenkyab (resigned, replaced by Thubten Nyima), Gojo Tsering Phuntsok

Sakya:

Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Dege Jamyang Soepa

Kagyue:

Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin, Toe-Gegye Kunga Tsering

Gelug:

Gashar Geshe Lobsang Wangyal, Loling Ngakrey Yonten Phuntsok

Bon:

Yanchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo (Vice Chairman), Dromo Geshe Namgyal Nyima

U-Tsang:

Dumpa Sharling Pema Dechen, Gyaltse Namgyal Wangdue, Dhingri Rachu Tsering Lhamo (demised, replaced by Drikung Genyen Choedon), Ngari Sumkyil Karma Gyatso, Ngari Tadhun Karma Choephel, Rongchung Namkha Tenzin, Ngari Thoding Norbu Dhargye, Phenpo Ngawang Gelek (demised, replaced by Gonshar Tashi Wangdue), Kyidong Nyima Dhondub, Dagne Zonga Pema Tsewang

Dhotoe:

Lithang Adruk Tamdin Choekyi, Gha-Tridu Chime Namgyal (resigned, replaced by Nangchen Trulku Ogyen Topgye), Nangchen Dhompatsang Tsering Choedon (demised, replaced by Karze Pema Choejor), Dege Lingtsang Pema Delek (resigned but by-election withdrawn), Dhonyen Serga (resigned but by-election withdrawn), Dege Chime Dorje, Markham Sonam Tobgyal, Lithang Nagkhung Dorje, Dege Hocho Kunga Yonten, Nyagrong Gyari Dolma (resigned but by-election withdrawn)

Dhomey:

Taktser Tenzin Choedon, Tsering Peldron, Ngari Rinpoche Tenzin Choegyal, Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Rebkong Dhugkar Tsering, Ladrang Gonpo Dhondub, Gomang Tenpa, Bedhoe Thubten Woeser, Ladrang Soepa Gyatso, Thewo Kirti Tashi Dhondub

Europe:

Phuntsok Wangyal, Sangnyak Choeling Tsering Dorje

North America: Markham Thubten Samdub

31

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE The composition of the Assembly was expanded almost four-fold: 10 members each from the three traditional provinces; two each from the five religious sects; two from Europe, one from North America while three members were nominated

by His Holiness as the head of the Tibetan people.

For the first time, the Assembly had legislative responsibility. It discussed each article of the draft Charter of the Tibetans in Exile before finally passing it. Many rules and regulations governing the functioning of the Assembly and the Administration were enacted. When the Charter was adopted on 14 June 1991 and duly approved by His Holiness on 28 June 1991, it provided that a candidate needed to win at least 70% of the Assembly votes to be declared elected as a Kalon. When the Assembly failed to elect the required seven Kalons, His Holiness was urged to nominate a list of not less than double the number of Kalons to be elected. The impractical provision was amended in 1993, so that seven candidates securing the highest number of votes would be declared elected as Kalons.

A Supreme Justice Commission was set up on 11th March 1992, as the apex tribunal for arbitrating civil cases within the Tibeta

n diaspora and for interpreting Tibetan laws.

Thus, the three pillars of democracy were firmly established, ensuring a fully functioning democratic polity, with a system of checks and balances and accountability.

An independent Audit Commission was set up to audit the accounts of all central and local oďŹƒces.

An independent Public Service Commission was established to oversee the recruitment and maintain the records of all Tibetan public servants.

To oversee the election of Kalons, members of the Assembly, settlement oďŹƒcers and local assemblies, an independent Election Commission was set up.

The Assembly approves and sanctions the budget of the Central Tibetan Administration presented by the Finance Kalon. Though members could propose cuts or seek raises on the recurring budget expenses, the planned budget for social welfare activities is generally approved without much discussion. However, the Kalons remain accountable for the utilisation of the funds.

The Assembly was empowered to impeach members of the Kashag, the Supreme Justice Commissioners, and heads of the three independent bodies of the Election Commission, the Public Service Commission and the Audit by two-thirds majority. Under special circumstances, even His

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the Eleventh Parliament.

32

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

TWELFTH ASSEMBLY OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (ATPD)

1996-2001

Front row L to R:

Back row 1 L to R:

Back row 2 L to R:

Back row 3 L to R:

Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Kongpo Changra Tharlam Dolma (resigned, replaced by Ngawang Jampa), Mwo Gonpo Tso, Nyarong Gyari Dolma, Tsering Dolma Nyinkhu, Lithang Adrutsang Tamdin Choekyi, Lhasa Tsering Norzom, Riwochey Chime Youdon, Dingri Ngawang Lhamo, Dewatsang Thinley Choedon, Taktser Tenzin Choedon (resigned, replaced by Hortsang Lobsang Tenzin) Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin, Gajang Tashi Gyaltsen, Bedoe Thubten Woeser, Yeshi Tseten, Loling Samdhong Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin (Chairman), Thubten Lungrig (Vice Chairman), Ghojo Tsering Phuntsok, Nyakrey Yonten Phuntsok, Ngari Guru Gyaltsen, Zatrul Ngawang Rigzin (resigned, replaced by Gangshontsang Ngawang Gyaltsen), Dasur Gapa Nyisang, Karze Pema Choejor ((elected to Kashag, replaced by True Lhamo), Karze Tsultrim Tenzin, Markham Sonam Tobgyal, Dingri Dangshar Yonten Gyatso, Gyaltse Namgyal Wangdue, Toe-Ngari Tadhun Karma Choephel, Dagne Zonga Pema Tsewang, Lingtsang Tsering Dorjee, Ruthog Lobsang Shastri, Kongpo Ngawang Tenpa, Ladrang Soepa Gyatso (elected to Kashag, replaced

by Rebkong Dhugkar Tsering) Tsurphu Karma Sherab Tharchin, Ngari Thoding Norbu Dhargye, Chabcha Kalden (demised, replaced by Tenzin Gonpo), Yonchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo, Taktser Tenzin Khedub, Hortsang Jigmey, Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering (resigned, replaced by Pongrong Ganchen Lobsang Choephel), Gyari Bhutuk, Chadreng Lobsang Nyendak, Dr. Kyunglung Thogmey, Wangchuk Dorje, Nangra Penpa Tsering

33

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nominated:

Thubten Lungrig (Vice Chairman), Yeshi Tseten, Kongpo Changra Tharlam Dolma (resigned, replaced by Ngawang Jampa)

Nyingma:

Gojo Tsering Phuntsok, Gyari Bhutuk

Sakya:

Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Ngari Guru Gyaltsen

Kagyue:

Tsurphu Lodoe Tharchin, Tsurphu Karma Sherab Tharchin

Gelug:

Nyakrey Yonten Phuntsok, Gajang Tashi Gyaltsen

Bon:

Yonchoe Tengkhar Jadur Sonam Sangpo, Dr. Kyunglung Thogmey

U-Tsang:

Dingri Ngawang Lhamo, Lhasa Tsering Norzom, Gyaltse Namgyal Wangdue, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering (resigned, replaced by Pongrong Ganchen Lobsang Choephel), Kongpo Ngawang Tenpa, Toe-Ngari Tadhun Karma Choephel, Ngari Thoding Norbu Dhargye (resigned, replaced by Gonshar Tashi Wangdu), Dagne Zonga Pema Tsewang, Dingri Dangshar Yonten Gyatso, Ruthog Lobsang Shastri

Dhotoe:

Loling Samdhong Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin (Chairman), Markham Sonam Topgyal, Karze Tsultrim Tenzin, Lithang Adruktsang Tamdin Choekyi, Nyagrong Gyari Dolma, Chadreng Lobsang Nyendak, Dasur Gapa Nyisang, Karze Pema Choejor (elected to Kashag, replaced by True Lhamo), Riwochey Chime Youdon, Lingtsang Tsering Dorjee

Dhomey:

Taktser Tenzin Choedon (resigned, replaced by Hortsang Lobsang Tenzin), Ladrang Soepa Gyatso (elected to Kashag, replaced by Rebkong Dhugkar Tsering), Taktser Tenzin Khedub, Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Nangra Penpa Tsering, Hortsang Jigmey, Bedoe Thubten Woeser, Tsering Dolma Nyingkhu, Chabcha Kalden (demised, replaced by Tenzin Gonpo), Mwo Gonpo Tso

Europe:

Zatrul Ngawang Rigzin (resigned, replaced by Gangshontsang Ngawang Gyaltsen), Dewatsang Thinley Choedon

North America: Wangchuk Dorje

34

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE 0n 16 September 1998, His Holiness proposed further reforms to the election of Kalons, citing dissatisfaction on his part in finding suitable candidates. He also said that the existing process was inadequate and did not conform to the norms of real democracy. His Holiness suggested the election of the Kalon Tripa (Chief Executive) by the Assembly from a nomination of three members by him. The elected Kalon Tripa was then to nominate his/her colleagues from at least 14 candidates to be elected by the Assembly. The other option proposed was the election of Kalons by an electorate consisting of ATPD members, all civil servants above the rank of Deputy Secretary, Local Assemblies, Tibetan Freedom Movements and representatives of NGOs. The candidate with the maximum vote could be the Chief Kalon or the elected Kalons could elect amongst themselves a Chief Kalon as before.

This proposal was thoroughly discussed in the Assembly and suggestions were sought from the public. On 3 October 2000, His Holiness approved the amendment of the Charter regarding election

of the Kalon Tripa and other Kalons. Under it, the Assembly would elect the Kalon Tripa from a nomination of not less than two members by His Holiness and the Kalon Tripa would nominate his/her cabinet ministers subject to approval or rejection by a simple majority in the Assembly.

The Kalon Tripa could appoint a maximum of seven Kalons. However, sensing that the latest amendment may need to be further amended sooner or later, His Holiness suggested the Kalon Tripa be directly elected by the people. In his landmark address during the last session of the Twelfth ATPD, on 15 March 2001, he referred to the latest amendment and said that the process has brought the system closer to the essence of democracy Accordingly, the Charter was amended to provide direct election of the Kalon Tripa and for the Kalon Tripa to nominate candidates for the election of his/her Kalon colleagues. This was another significant milestone in the democratic reform of the Tibetan polity.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Session of the Twelfth Parliament The OďŹƒces of Tibet in Taipei, Taiwan and Pretoria, South Africa were set up in 1997.

35

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

THIRTEENTH ASSEMBLY OF TIBETAN PEOPLE’S DEPUTIES (ATPD)

2001-2006

Front row - L to R:

Back row 1- L to R:

Back row 2 - L to R:

Back row 3 - L to R: Not in Photo:

Choegyal Tenzin, Geshe Rongpo Lobsang Nyendak, Gojo Tsering Phuntsok, Toe-Ngari Tadhun Karma Choephel (Chairman after Thupten Lunrig elected to Kalon), Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney (Chairman), Nyarong Gyari Dolma (Vice Chairman after Jadur Sonam Sangpo elected to Supreme Justice Commissioner), Serjey Lawa Geshe Thupten Phelgye, Tarig Jamyang Trinley, Geshe Yungdrung Gyaltsen (replaced Jadur Sonam Sangpo), Trulku Ogyen Tobgyal Karze Tenzin Sherab (resigned, replaced by Geshe Beri Jigme Wangyal), Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Kongpo Ngawang Tenpa, Tsangdoechen Ugyen Tenzin, Nangra Penpa Tsering, Rebkong Dhugkar Tsering (resigned, replaced by Tenzin Gonpo), Lingtsang Tsering Dorjee, Gyalrong Dawa Tsering, Dege Kunchok Norbu, Gyaltse Namgyal Wangdu, Markham Sonam Topgyal, Dr. Kyunglung Thogmey, Dege Juchen Kunchok Chodon, Zonga Tsering Dolma, Dobi Gedhun Jinpa, Lithang Wangyal Khetsa Oga, Dege Chime Dorjee, Hortsang Jigme, Taktser Tenzin Khedrub (resigned, replaced by Chabdak Lhamo Kyab), Tenzin Choeden, Sonam Tsering Frasi, Sangling Tsering Dorjee, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering, Dagne Dolma Tsering, Phurbu Dolma (after Thupten Lungrig’s resignation), Dingri Ngawang Lhamo, Ruthog Lobsang Shastri Kortsa Sonam Dadul, Karze Tsultrim Tenzin, Gampa Dawa Phunkyi, Gyari Bhutuk, Thunsur Tsering Norzom (resigned, replaced by Karma Yeshi), Jhakyung Phelgye Dolma Tsomo, Drawu Tseten Rebkong Tsering Tsomo

36

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Nominated: Geshe Rongpo Lobsang Nyendak, Lithang Wangyal, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering Nyingma: Gojo Tsering Phuntsok, Gyari Bhutuk Sakya:

Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney (Chairman from 16 March 2002 to 30 May 2006), Tarig Jamyang Tinley

Kagyue:

Kortsa Sonam Damdul, Choegyal Tenzin

Gelug:

Karze Tenzin Sherab (resigned, replaced by Geshe Beri Jigme Wangyal), Serjey Lawa Geshe Thupten Phelgye

Bon:

Dr. Kyunglung Thogmey, Jadur Sonam Sangpo (elected to Supreme Justice Commissioner, replaced by Geshe Yungdrung Gyaltsen)

U-Tsang: Thonsur Tsering Norzom (resigned, replaced by Karma Yeshi), Dingri Ngawang Lhamo, Kongpo Ngawang Tenpa, Gampa Dawa Phunkyi, Dagne Dolma Tsering, Toe-Ngari Tadhun Karma Choephel (Chairman from 21 September 2001 to 14 March 2002), Tsangdoechen Ogyen Tenzin, Ruthog Lobsang Shastri, Zonga Tsering Dolma, Gyaltse Namgyal Wangdu Dhotoe:

Nyarong Gyari Dolma (Vice Chairman), Markham Sonam Topgyal, Trulku Ogyen Tobgyal, Dege Juchen Kunchok Chodon, Karze Tsultrim Tenzin, Lingtsang Tsering Dorje, Dege Chime Dorjee, Drawu Tseten, Khetsa Oga, Dege Konchok Norbu

Dhomey: Thupten Lungrig (Chairman from 1 June 2001 to 20 September 2001, elected to Kashag, replaced by Phurbu Dolma), Taktser Tenzin Khedrub (resigned, replaced by Chabdak Lhamo Kyab), Hortsang Jigmey, Rebkong Dhugkar Tsering (resigned, replaced by Tenzin Gonpo), Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Jhakyung Phelgye Dolma Tsomo, Nangra Penpa Tsering, Rebkong Tsering Tsomo, Gyalrong Dawa Tsering, Dobi Gedun Jinpa, Europe:

Sonam Tsering Frasi, Sangling Tsering Dorjee

North America: Tenzin Choeden

The direct election of the Kalon Tripa, the Chief Executive of the Central Tibetan Administration, in 2001 was the most significant democratic development during the Thirteenth ATPD. The Assembly approved policies of the Kashag on a negotiated solution of the Tibetan issue, the new education policy, privatisation of businesses of the finance department, an organic and natural agricultural policy and the better functioning of Tibetan Cooperatives, etc. The Twelfth Kashag brought in a new sense of accountability and transparency to the Assembly. The financial status of the CTA was made public and the funds earmarked for social welfare were placed under the complete control of the Assembly.

His Holiness, in September 2003, imposed further reforms to give up the last vestiges of

his administrative power. He suggested that he should no longer make direct nominations to the Assembly, or directly appoint the heads of the three independent institutions of Audit, Public Service Commission and Election Commission, or nominate the Supreme Justice Commissioners.

The Public Service Commission and Election Commission were placed under a common head in view of their limited workload under the current situation. The Assembly amended the relevant articles, leaving it open for His Holiness to nominate up to three eminent Tibetans to the Assembly. Selection Committees were to be formed for the appointment of the Supreme Justice Commissioners and the heads of the three independent institutions.

37

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

FOURTEENTH TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE (TPiE)

2006-2011

Front row - L to R: Back row 1- L to R:

Back row 2- L to R:

Back row 3- L to R:

Back row 4- L to R:

Chamdo Youdon Aukatsang, Tenzin Choeden, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering, Monkhar Sonam Phuntsok, Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Choney Tsering Youdon, Hortsang Yeshi Dolma, Jhakyung Phelgye Dolma Tsomo Serjey Lawa Geshe Thupten Phelgye, Geshe Beri Jigmey Wangyal, Gojo Tsering Phuntsok (elected to Kalon, replaced by Lopon Sonam Tenphel), Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Toe-Ngari Tadhun Karma Choephel (Speaker from 1 June 2006 to 29 November 2008), Nyakrong Gyari Dolma (Deputy Speaker), Nangra Penpa Tsering (Speaker from 16 December 2008 to 30 May 2011), Gyalnor Tsewang, Chabdak Lhamo Kyab Kyungpo Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Yangpachen Karma Sherab Tharchin, Markham Sonam Topgyal, Dagne Dolma Tsering, Dingri Bartso Ngawang Lhamo, Zongatsang Tsering Dolma, Karze Tsultrim Tenzin, Gyalrong Dawa Tsering, Gapa Choechung Wangchuk, Gampa Dawa Phunkyi, Dege Juchen Kunchok Chodon Gojo Geshe Gazi Tse-Ringpo, Kyungpo Geshe Yundrung Gyaltsen, Serta Tsultrim Woser, Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, Serta Tsultrim, Karma Yeshi, Khortsa Sonam Damdul, Lithang Dewatsang Dorjee Wangdue, Taktser Tenzin Khedub, Ngari Rawang Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok Tulku Orgyen Topgyal, Dokme Tsetan Norbu, Sonam Tsering Frasi, Gyari Bhutuk, Tenzin Gonpo

38

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Nominated:

None

Nyingma:

Gojo Tsering Phuntsok (elected to Kalon, replaced by Lopon Sonam Tenphel), Gyari Bhutuk

Sakya:

Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Gojo Geshe Gazi Tse-Ringpo

Kagyue:

Khortsa Sonam Damdul, Yangpachen Karma Sherab Tharchin

Gelug:

Serjey Lawa Geshe Thupten Phelgye, Geshe Beri Jigme Wangyal

Bon:

Kyungpo Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Kyungpo Geshe Yundrung Gyaltsen

U-Tsang:

Dokme Tsetan Nobu, Dagne Dolma Tsering, Dingri Bartso Ngawang Lhamo, Karma Yeshi, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering, Gyalnor Tsewang, Ngari Rawang Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Zongatsang Tsering Dolma, Gampa Dawa Phunkyi, Toe-Ngari Tadhun Karma Choephel (Speaker for the first half of 14th TPiE)

Dhotoe:

Nyarong Gyari Dolma (Deputy Speaker), Dege Juchen Kunchok Chodon, Serta Tsultrim, Tulku Ugyen Topgyal, Markham Sonam Topgyal, Lithang Dewatsang Dorjee Wangdue, Chamdo Youdon Aukatsang, Gapa Choechung Wangchuk, Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, Karze Tsultrim Tenzin

Dhomey:

Nangra Penpa Tsering (Speaker for the second half of 14th TPiE), Gyalrong Dawa Tsering, Chabdak Lhamo Kyab, Taktser Tenzin Khedub, Tenzin Gonpo, Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Jhakyung Phelgye Dolma Tsomo, Choney Tsering Youdon, Serta Tsultrim Woeser, Hortsang Yeshi Dolma

Europe:

Sonam Tsering Frasi, Monkhar Sonam Phuntsok

North America: Tenzin Choeden

His Holiness stopped nominating Assembly members, therefore the strength of the parliament was reduced to 43. The Assembly formally changed its name to ‘Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’ (TPiE).

The titles of Chairman and Vice-Chairman were changed to Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The Fourteenth TPiE began with a constitutional crisis owing to its inability to

elect a Speaker. Despite repeated re-polling, Dhomey MP Mr Penpa Tsering and U-Tsang MP Mr Karma Choephel achieved equal votes.

The impasse was finally resolved with guidance from the Chief Election Commissioner, despite the absence of a specific Charter provision. The solution divided the speakership equally between the two candidates over the five-year term.

39

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE The Fourteenth TPiE took an important decision to allocate area/zonal responsibilities to its members for the purpose of ensuring the wellbeing of the Tibetan people residing under their care.

Following the 49th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day in March 2008, coinciding with the run-up to Beijing Olympic Games, protests engulfed the entire Tibetan Plateau. The Parliament had to bring its ongoing fifth session to an abrupt end and set up a Tibetan Solidarity Committee with the Kashag which led a series of campaign actions to express support for, and garner solidarity with, the people of Tibet. These initiatives in exile included: peaceful protests, hunger strikes, prayer services, publicity outreach, and petitioning world leaders and the UN. The campaign actions were held throughout India as well as Nepal and numerous other countries.

The widespread uprising protests across Tibet coupled with the lack of progress in the ongoing talks since 2002 between the envoys

of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Beijing government created a major crisis in the Tibetan approach to resolving the Tibet issue. Therefore, as proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to discuss the situation, the Parliament convened the first Special General Meeting of Tibetans under Article 59 of the Tibetan Charter in exile from 17-22 November 2008 in Dharamshala.

The meeting unanimously entrusted His Holiness to continue, from time to time, to lead the Tibetan people in accordance with his judgment of the situation. However, a good majority felt that goals like independence and self-determination should be considered if the Middle Way Policy continued to fail to elicit a positive response from China within a reasonable period of time.

The Parliament further approved the name change of ‘Tibetan Government-in-Exile’ to ‘Central Tibetan Administration’ and the slogan of the official emblem ‘Gaden Phodrang Chogle Namgyal’ to ‘Denpa Nyi Nampar Gyalgyur Chig’ (Truth Alone Triumphs).

The official emblem of the CTA till 2011

The official emblem of the CTA from 2011

Charter Amendment Drafting Commission during the Fourteenth Tibetan Parliament

40

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

FIFTEENTH TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE (TPiE)

2011-2016

Front row - L to R:

Back row 1- L to R:

Back row 2- L to R:

Back row 3- L to R: Back row 4- L to R: Not in Photo:

Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Geshe Lharampa Rongpo Lobsang Nyendak, ToeNgari Tadhun Karma Chophel, Nangra Penpa Tsering (Speaker), Khenpo Sonam Tenphel (Deputy Speaker), Thupten Lungrig, Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Karze Tsultrim Tenzin, Gapa Choechung Wangchuk Dr. Khenrap Gyatso, Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Jigme Jungney, Lithang Jamyang Soepa, Chungdak Koren (resigned, replaced by Tethong Tenzin Wangpo), Tenpa Yarphel, Khenpo Chodak Gyatso (resigned, replaced by Geshe Gazi TseRingpo), Ngari Rawang Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Geshe Namdak Tsukphue, Geshe Kalsang Damdul, Khenpo Norbu Tsering, Atuk Tsetan, Thupten Wangchen, Gyarik Thar Norbu Tsering, Sharling Tenzin Dhardon, Chamdo Aukatsang Youdon, Juchen Kunchok Chodon, Dagne Dolma Tsering, Choney Tsering Youdon, Hortsang Yeshi Dolma, Yangchen Dolkar, Ghang Lhamo, Karma Yeshi, Dolkar Kyab, Lobsang Yeshi Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, Gyari Bhutuk, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering, Sonam Gyaltsen Tashi Namgyal, Mogru Tenpa, Gampa Dawa Phunkyi Bhumo Tsering, Serta Tsultrim

41

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Nyingma:

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel (Deputy Speaker), Gyari Bhutuk

Sakya:

Khenpo Norbu Tsering, Khenpo Choedrak Gyatso (resigned, replaced by Geshe Gazi Tse-Ringpo)

Kagyue:

Toe-Ngari Tadhun Karma Chophel, Tenpa Yarphel

Gelug:

Geshe Rongpo Lobsang Nyendak, Atruk Tsetan

Bon:

Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Geshe Namdak Tsukphue

U-Tsang:

Ngari Rawang Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Sharling Tenzin Dhardon, Geshe Kelsang Dadul, Karma Yeshi, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering, Dagne Dolma Tsering, Bhumo Tsering, Gampa Dawa Phunkyi, Jigme Jungney

Dhotoe:

Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, Serta Tsultrim, Juchen Kunchok Chodon, Lithang Jamyang Soepa, Chamdo Youdon Aukatsang, Gapa Choechung Wangchuk, Yangchen Dolkar, Karze Tsultrim Tenzin, Geshe Yungdrung Gyaltsen (resigned, replaced by Lobsang Yeshi), Ghang Lhamo

Dhomey:

Nangra Penpa Tsering (Speaker), Thupten Lungrig, Gyalrong Dawa Tsering (deceased, replaced by Choney Tsering Youdon), Phelgye Dolma Tsomo (resigned, replaced by Dr. Khenrap Gyatso), Kirti Dolker Lhamo, Sonam Gyaltsen, Dolkar Kyab, Hortsang Yeshi Dolma, Mogru Tenpa, Gyarik Thar

Europe:

Thupten Wangchen, Chungdak Koren (resigned, replaced by Tethong Tenzin Wangpo)

North America: Dicki Chhoyang (elected to Kalon, replaced by Tashi Namgyal), Norbu Tsering

The membership of the Fifteenth Parliament was raised to 44 with an additional seat for Tibetans residing in North America. The Interim Speaker administered the oath to the 42 newly-elected members out of 44 since two members from U-Tsang province failed to secure 33% of the total votes cast in the final poll. Re-elections for the two vacant seats were held on 19 June and 4 September 2011.

Besides the general functioning of the TPiE, the first four sessions of the Fifteenth Parliament were predominantly occupied by matters concerning the painful and alarming occurrence of Tibetans resorting to self-immolation inside Tibet. Expressing a strong sense of solidarity, and highlighting the grave and worsening situation inside Tibet, the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile jointly led

42

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE a four-day official campaign of Tibetans living across the world from 18-21 October 2011.

This was followed by campaign activities: TPiE delegation approached prominent Indian leaders as well as diplomats with various foreign missions in New Delhi in January and August 2012; a daylong hunger strike on the first day of the Tibetan Water Dragon New Year; conveying TPiE’s concerns and unanimously adopted resolutions to the PRC leadership in Beijing; and Worldwide ‘Flame of Truth’ rallies along with a signature campaign from 6 July-10 December 2012.

The Parliament made two amendments to the Charter. The Election Rules and Regulations would abolish the criteria that at least 33% of total votes must be secured for the election of TPiE members, and the change in the official title of Kalon Tripa to Sikyong (Political Leader) on 20 September 2012.

The 2nd Tibetan Special General Meeting of the Tibetan People organised by Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Kashag was held from 25-28 September 2012. The meeting was attended by 432 Tibetan delegates from 26 countries from around the world. The meeting highlighted the critical situation inside Tibet and resolved to continue to pursue the Middle Way Approach to find a meaningful solution through dialogue with the Chinese Government. The meeting aimed to bring in suggestions regarding the exile movement in support and solidarity with the plight of the people inside Tibet.

The Parliament also decided to raise its membership from 44 to 45 with an additional seat for Tibetans residing in Asia and Australasia (excluding India, Nepal and Bhutan).

43

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

SIXTEENTH TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE (TPiE)

2016-2021

Front row - L to R:

Back row 1 - L to R:

Back row 2- L to R:

Back row 3 - L to R:

Nyingma: Sakya: Kagyue:

Samdho Jampa Tsering, Gewatsang Ngawang Tharpa, Lobsang Yeshi, Migyur Dorjee, Gampa Dawa Phunkyi, Serta Tsultrim, Karma Gelek, Lugtsang Gyarik Thar, Kunchok Yangphel, Tenzin Jamyang (after Sharling Tenzin Dhardon’s resignation) Lingtsang Pema Delek, Kunga Sotop, Tenpa Yarphel, Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney (Speaker-elect), Khenpo Sonam Tenphel (Speaker), Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok (Deputy Speaker), Thupten Lungrig, Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tsetan, Thupten Wangchen.

Dhundup Tashi, Lobsang Dakpa, Tsewang Rigzin, Tsanetsang Dhundup Tashi, Khenpo Jampel Tenzin, Gowo Lobsang Phende, Khenpo Kada Ngedhup Sonam, Lopon Thubten Gyaltsen, Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Lobsang Choejor/Sharchoe Khukta, Tashi Dhundup, Ratsa Sonam Norbu, Bhara Tsewang Tashi, Dorjee Tseten Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering, Kyinzom Dhongdue, Samten Chodon, Hortsang Yeshi Dolma, Pema Chagzoetsang, Dragne Dolma Tsering, Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, Yangchen Dolkar, Juchen Konchok Chodon, Chamdo Youdon Aukatsang, Tsering Lhamo, Tsering Youdon.

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Khenpo Jampel Tenzin Lopon Thubten Gyaltsen, Khenpo Kada Ngedhup Sonam Ven. Kunga Sotop, Ven. Tenpa Yarphel

44

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Gelug: Bon: U-Tsang:

Geshe Lharampa Atruk Tseten, Gowo Lobsang Phende Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Bhara Tsewang Tashi Sharling Tenzin Dhardon (resigned on account of being nominated to the 15th Kashag, replaced by Tenzin Jamyang), Dhondup Tashi, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Dagne Dolma Tsering, Ruthog Changtoe Pema Jungney, Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari, Samten Chodon, Gampa Dawa Phunkyi, Dingri Rachu Dawa Tsering, Migyur Dorjee Dhotoe: Juchen Kunchok Chodon, Yangchen Dolkar, Serta Tsultrim, Dorjee Tseten, Chamdo Youdon Aukatsang, Kunchok Yangphel, Lingtsang Pema Delek, Lobsang Dakpa, Gewatsang Ngawang Tharpa, Lobsang Yeshi Dhomey: Thupten Lungrig, Tashi Dhondup, Tsering Lhamo, Hortsang Yeshi Dolma, Lugtsang Gyarik Thar, Lobsang Choejor/ Sharchoe Khukta, Tsanetsang Dhondup Tashi, Sonam Norbu Ratsa, Karma Gelek, Tsering Youdon Europe and Africa: Thupten Wangchen, Samdho Jampa Tsering North and South Americas :Pema Chagzoetsang, Tsewang Rigzin Asia and Australasia (excluding India, Nepal and Bhutan):Kyinzom Dhongdue The 45 members of the Sixteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile comprised of 34 male and 11 female members including 24 fresh faces.

The parliamentarians were sworn in on 30 May 2016. The interim Speaker, the longest serving parliamentarian, administered the oath-taking ceremony followed by the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. When 44 members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament voted to elect its new Speaker, even after three rounds of voting there was a stalemate between Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Pema Jungney who received 22 votes each for the post. Therefore, like the Fourteenth Parliament, the Chief Election Commissioner decided to divide the speakership between the two candidates equally. It was then decided that the first half of the Speaker’s term – from 30 May 2016 to 30 November 2018 – was chaired by Khenpo Sonam Tenphel while the second term from 1 December 2018 to 29 May 2021 will be chaired by Pema Jungney.

The second session of 16th TPiE held intense deliberations over the situation inside Tibet, the status of Tibetans in exile, and the future course of the Tibetan movement led by the Central Tibetan Administration.

The sixth session made three legislatives amendments to the ‘Rules and Regulation of

Electoral System’: 1) First amendment prohibits all regional and religious associations and NGOs from nominating candidates for Sikyong and Members of the Parliament.

2) The second major amendment is with regard to the Process of Electing Sikyong in the Preliminary and Final Election, which is now decided that ‘If in the preliminary election, a candidate secures more than 60% of the total votes, then, he or she doesn’t have to contest a second round and is automatically, elected.’

3) The third amendment established a new and reduced timeframe for the election process. From more than 200 days, it has been cut to less than hundred days.

The 3rd Special General Meeting of the Tibetan People jointly organised by Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Kashag was held from 3-5 October 2019. The meeting was attended by 340 Tibetan delegates from 24 different countries around the world. The meeting focused on enabling full-scale participation and to bring in suggestion of Tibetan civil society regarding the Five Fifty vision and the relationship between the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lamas and Tibetans.

45

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

MEMBERS OF THE SIXTEENTH TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

SPEAKER (1 December 2018-29 May 2021) Pema Jungney was born in 1959, at Ruthog Jangtod, Tibet. He attended CST Shimla and later secured Shastri, Acharya and B.Ed degrees from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi.

He worked as a teacher at Sakya Centre, Rajpur, for three years and at the New Tibetan School, Bir, Himachal Pradesh, for two years.

He is the former Speaker (then termed Chairman) of the Thirteenth TPiE (earlier called ATPD). He was a member of the committee for the publication Details on Evolution of Tibetan Democratic Polity-in-Exile. He is also a member of the Charter Amendment Drafting Committee after the devolution of His Holiness’ political authority in 2011. In his over 28 years of service in the Tibetan Parliament he has served as the Chairman of around 30 parliamentary committees. He is also a visiting speaker at various workshops organised

by CTA and NGOs. He is the longest serving parliamentarian in the Sixteenth TPiE and presently he is the Speaker-elect for the second half of the term.

He was previously elected to the Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

FORMER SPEAKER (30 May 2016-30 November 2018) Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel was born at Rekhe in Kham in 1974 and started schooling when he was seven years old. At the age of 13 he joined Nari Tashi Choeling Monastery and studied preliminary Buddhist teachings, meditation and rituals.

He fled to India in 1993 and received an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Later, he joined Ngagyur Nyingma Institute (Shedra) of Namdroling Monastery, located in Bylakuppe, South India. He received the Higher Secondary Degree, Bachelor Degree and Master of Buddhist Philosophy in Buddhist sutras and tantras from the institute.

After completing his intensive Buddhist studies in 2003, he was appointed as a disciplinarian at Namdroling Monastery by Kyabje Drubwang Penor Rinpoche.

He served as a disciplinarian for three years before becoming a member of the Fourteenth TPiE from 20062011. He was honoured with a Doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy (equivalent to Ph.D) in 2011.

He is the former Deputy Speaker of the Fifteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE DEPUTY SPEAKER Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok was born in 1962 at Leh, Ladakh. After graduating from CST Shimla, in 1988 he was awarded an Acharya degree from CIHTS, Varanasi, where he held various Student Committee posts from 1983-1987.

He organised the first International Tibet Support Group meeting at Dharamshala in 1989 before working at the CIHTS from 1989-1991. From 1992-1996 he worked as an academic administrator and Tibetan language teacher at TCV Suja. He was elected as the Joint Secretary of the National Democratic Party of Tibet from 19941996 and later elected as its president from 1997-2004.

He founded the Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch in 1999 and attended the UNCHR Sub-Committee Session at Geneva in 2000. Between 1997-2004 he attended various national and international conferences. He was the President of the Ngari Chithun Association and former executive programme officer at the Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre.

In 2013 he was also appointed as a board member of Tibetan Culture and a board member of the Central University of Tibetan Studies, Varanasi; a member of Maha Buddhist Society of India since 2014, an Advisor of Sowarigpa Tibetan Traditional Medicine since 2015, and Advisor of ITFA, Dharamshala, since 2015.

He was earlier elected to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

NYINGMA Khenpo Jamphal Tenzin was born on 23 December 1982 at Minyak, Eastern Tibet.

He became a monk at Rabgang Monastery from childhood and later undertook further intensive studies of Tibetan Buddhist lineages at Tibet’s biggest Buddhist University, Serta Larung Gar, for more than 10 years and graduated with the highest position. He was entitled as abbot by a local monastery.

In 2005, he came to India and in accordance to the wishes of Dzogchen Rinpoche, he took the responsibilities of being a teacher, administrator, chief editor as well as the chief personal assistant at Dzogchen Monastery in Kollegal Tibetan settlement, Karnataka. He was appointed as Chief Abbot (Khenpo) and Vice-chairperson of the monastery’s executive council in 2012. He is also the former Secretary of Minyak Welfare Association and a member of the standing committee of H.E. Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok’s Monlam Committee.

KAGYUE Ven. Kunga Sotop was born on 1 January 1980 at Terton town of Derge Jondha, Kham Province, Eastern Tibet. He studied Tibetan and Chinese languages at a local school for many years. In 1990, he moved to Tergar Monastery to study Tibetan Buddhist practice and ritual traditions.

After coming into exile in 1996, he joined Palpung Sherabling Kagyue Monastery at Bir, northern India, and studied Buddhist philosophy for six years. From 20032007 he moved to Bylakuppe and pursued further studies in Buddhist dialectics at Sera Jey Monastery.

Currently, Ven. Kunga Sotop works at Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Ven. Tenpa Yarphel was born at Chamdo Zagyu, Tibet, in 1979. He became a novice monk in Tsney Namgyal Choekorling Monastery. Later he studied fundamental Buddhist scriptures and philosophy from Khampa Ghar and Serta Larung Ghar monastery.

After escaping from Tibet into exile in India, he joined Sera Jey Monastery in 2004 to pursue further studies in Buddhist philosophy. In 2008, he joined Sarah Institute, Dharamshala, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Higher Tibetan Studies.

He worked as an editor at the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA, and edited three volumes on the history of over 300 monasteries, including the four religious schools of Buddhism and the Bon religion of Tibet.

He was elected to the Fifteenth TPiE and travelled to the USA and Europe to promote Tibetan Buddhism and Culture.

SAKYA Lopon Thubten Gyaltsen was born in 1982 at Markham, Eastern Tibet. He became a monk at Tsechen Shedup Thekchokling Monastery at the age of eight and began studying Buddhist philosophy at 14.

He escaped from Tibet in 2000 and joined the Sakya Centre, Rajpur, Dehradun, for three years to study advanced Buddhist philosophy. Later he enrolled in Sakya Institute, Purawala, for further studies. He attained Shastri and Acharya Degrees in Buddhist philosophy in 2015. From 2010-2014 he served as Buddhist philosophy teacher at Sakya Institute.

Master of Buddhist philosophy Khenpo Kada Ngodup Sonam was born in Kham Karze in 1979 (Kada).

1)LIFE EXPERIENCE TILL DATE: Member of Parliament, authored 14 books till date related with Buddhist philosophy, former member of RTYC, former member of Bir Tihor community, member of International PEN. Currently, he is the head of the Dharamshala Tihor community and serving as master of Buddhist philosophy at T.C.V Gopalpur School and still putting his heartfelt efforts to satiate his hunger for learning and render his services to meet others’ end.

2)EDUCATION QUALIFICATION: Shastri,Acharya,Khenpo(Abbot) Ph.D from Dzongsar Buddhist Institution and B.A. , M.A. in Tibetan grammar, poetry, history, political , mathematical and Chinese language, etc. from Panchen Erdeni University in 1996.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE GELUG Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tsetan was born on 12 January 1983 in Tibet. In 1991 he fled into exile and joined Drepung Gomang Monastery in India.

He worked as a Vice-President of All Gelug His Holiness’ Long Life Offering Committee and the President of its Standing Committee. In 2015 he was honoured with the Geshe Larampa degree (Ph.D in Buddhist philosophy).

He was previously elected to the Fifteenth TPiE .

Gowo Lobsang Phende was born in 1977 at Kham Bathang, Tibet. He studied in a local primary school and later joined Ba Zirgon Monastery for Buddhist studies.

He escaped into exile in 1992 and joined Drepung Loseling Monastery. He was honoured with a bachelor in Buddhist philosophy in 2002 and masters in Buddhist philosophy in 2005. In 2009 he secured a Vinaya degree and in 2017 he was honoured with the Geshe Degree (PhD.).

He was elected as a Joint Secretary of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Mundgod settlement, for two terms. He was also elected as the President of the Local Tibetan Freedom Movement for two terms. In 2011 he was elected as a Treasurer of the Central Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk and is presently serving a second term.

BON Geshe Monlam Tharchin was born in 1968 at Khyungpo Karru, Eastern Tibet.

After finishing his primary education, he studied and practiced Bon Sutra, Tantra, Tsalung Yoga and Dzogchen for several years.

In 1992 he came into exile and pursued his further studies at Pal Shenten Menriling, India and Palden Triten Norbutse, Nepal. In 2002 he was honoured with the Geshe degree (Ph.D) at Menri Monastery.

He has also worked as an adviser and teacher for researchers and scholars studying traditional scriptural systems of Bon and Tibet. He has been participating in intellectual campaigns, writing and posting articles in newspapers, magazines and websites both in Tibet and in exile.

He has been editing and proof-reading both cultural and political books. He worked on the 13 volumes of collected works by H.E Yongzin Lopon Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche and the 21 volumes of autobiography by Kalon Trisur Juchen Thubten Namgyal (former Prime Minister of the CTA).

He was earlier elected to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE .

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Tsewang Tashi Bhara was born on 15 June 1980 at Dolanji, Himachal Pradesh.

He attended CST Dolanji and CST Paonta Sahib, and was among the first batch of graduates in Zhang-Bod Sorig Bumshi Therapy.

He worked as a cashier of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Dolanji, from 2003–2004. He became the Secretary of the Tibetan Sweater Sellers’ Association, Dhanbad, from 2005 – 2013, and later was appointed as its President from 201415. At the age of 25 he was elected as a member of the Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA), Dolanji. He served as the cashier of the LTA from 2006 -2009 and then as a full-fledged member of the Assembly from 2009-2012. He also worked as President of the local Tibetan Freedom Movement and Secretary of the Dhanbad Tibetan Freedom Movement.

He is serving as Chairman of the LTA, Dolanji, and is a member of the Governing Council of Tibetan Bonpo Foundation.

U-TSANG Dhondup Tashi was born on 3 June 1971 at Leh, Ladakh. He attended TCV schools in Ladakh and Dharamshala. He completed an MA in Economics, Bachelor of Education and PGD in Journalism.

In 1993 he was an executive member of RTYC, Chandigarh, and also the Vice-President of RTYC, Ladakh, from 1995 to 1997. He worked as a teacher in TCV Ladakh for 14 years and as an Economics Lecturer at Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School, Ladakh, for two years. He was the first elected Chief Representative Officer of Sonamling Tibetan settlement, Ladakh, in 2010 and was re-elected in 2013. During this period, he took charge as Regional Election Commissioner for six years and Local Justice Commissioner for more than two years. He was also one of the active members of the 33rd Kalachakra Organizing Committee in 2014 in Ladakh.

Dolma Tsering was born in 1956 at Dagne, Tibet. She did her schooling at CST Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Mussoorie. Following her Bachelor’s degree and Teachers’ Training course, she worked as a teacher in various Tibetan schools for 26 years for which she was felicitated by the Department of Education, CTA. During her 17 years at CST Kollegal she worked as the Cultural Secretary of RTYC, and during her nine years at Upper TCV, she was elected as the Secretary of TCV Staff Welfare Association. She was also elected as the President of the 9th and 10th U-Tsang Central Executive Committee.

As a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship she studied Special Education in 1992 in the U.S.A. She was previously elected to the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari was born in 1986 in Dharamshala. After completing her schooling from TCV schools, she secured a Master’s degree in English Literature.

In 2012 she undertook the Walk of Faith for Peace and Freedom in Tibet in solidarity with the self-immolators and political prisoners in Tibet. She taught Literature at the DBS (PG) College until 2013 when she joined the Tibetan Women’s Association to work for eight months as a Project Coordinator for ‘Legal Empowerment of Tibetan Women.

From 2013-2016 she worked as the Vice President of Gu-Chu-Sum Movement Association of Tibet and in September 2016 she was elected as President of the Association and is currently serving in that post.

Samten Chodon is a resident of Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement. In 1992 she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Teresian College, Mysore.

For more than 23 years she served the Tibetan community in various fields: Assistant Accountant-cum-Secretary in the Finance Department, Bylakuppe branch from 1993-1994; Auditor at the office of Audit General (CTA) from 1995-1997 and accountant in Lugsung Samdupling Tibetan Cooperative Society from 1998-2009 to be later promoted to Assistant Manager and then to the post of Manager. She joined the Tibetan Women’s Association in 1990 and was elected as an executive member in 2003-2006 and later became its President from 2006-2009. She worked as the chief accountant during the 2008 Peace March from Dharamshala to Tibet organised by five leading Tibetan NGOs. From 2009-2015, she was elected Vice-President of the Central Tibetan Women’s Association and served for two consecutive terms.

Dawa Phunkyi was born in 1963 in Dharamshala, India. He attended TCV School, Dharamshala, and pursued a diploma in Health Management and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Health Administration from Christian Medical College, Vellore, and St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore respectively.

He worked as a Project Officer at the Department of Health, CTA, and as Secretary of Tibetan Delek Hospital. He also served at various NGOs for several years, including as the President of RTYC, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Party of Tibet, the Senior Vice-President of IndoTibetan Friendship Society, Director of Community Service Rotary Club, Dharamshala, and Vice President of the U-Tsang Cholkha Association.

Presently he is the Chief Administrator of Tibetan Delek Hospital since 2006.

He was earlier elected to the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Dawa Tsering was born in 1954 in Dhingri Rachu. He came into exile when he was five years old and attended CST Dalhousie and CST Shimla.

He is a social worker engaging mainly with the Tibetan Unemployment Co-operative Society, Buddhist education for lay people and interactions with local Indians, Kindergarten (Yongling School), IGNOU Special Study Centre, Elderly Nuns Home Samten Choeling. He is the President of U-Tsang Cholkha; Director of Kunphen Centre for Substance Dependence HIV/AIDS & HRD; President and Advisor of ITFA, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala; General Secretary of BTSM, Dharamshala; Proprietor of Tara Tibet Beads; Vice President of Tibetan People’s Movement for Middle Way Approach.

He was previously a member of the Twelfth TPiE (resigned in favour of serving as Welfare Officer), Thirteenth TPiE (directly nominated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama), Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

Migyur Dorjee was born in 1953 in Thoding in Ngari in Tibet. Following his schooling from Central School for Tibetans, Darjeeling, he pursued his studies in B.Com from St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling (North Bengal University), a short course in Public Administration at the State University of New York (USA), and an in-service course at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (a premier institute for civil servants) based in Delhi.

He joined the CTA in 1976 and served for 37 years at various posts including chief representative, Ladakh, from 1981-1986, Secretary, Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and later Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New Delhi, from 1986 -1994, Political Secretary in the Kashag from 1994-1997, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, U.K. from 1997-2002, Deputy Envoy in Brussels for EU from 2002-2005, Kadrung (Cabinet Secretary) from 2005 - 2011 and Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in South Africa from 2011 - 2013.

Tenzin Jamyang was born on 20 January 1984 in Dharamshala, India. He received his primary education from TCV school in Dharamshala and pursued his Bachelor’s degree in science and education from Punjab and Jammu Universities.

In 2007, he returned to TCV school as a science teacher and worked there for six years. Apart from teaching, he has served in various capacities including as a member of the school Advisory Committee, and as Health Committee chairman. Eventually he earned the prestigious Tibetan Scholarship of the US State Department in August 2013 and pursued a Master’s in environmental management at the University of San Francisco. He was awarded the University of San Francisco Asia and Pacific Islanders’ Graduate Change Maker Award for his accomplishment in academics, leadership, and work on social justice issues.

He is presently a teacher and an environmental educator.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE DHOTOE Juchen Kunchok Chodon was born in Bylakuppe, India in 1972 and resides at Bir, Chauntra, Himachal Pradesh. Her origins are from Derge, Mesheo, in Kham Province of Eastern Tibet. After graduating from CST Mussoorie, she went to serve her parents where she developed a keen interest in Tibetan politics.

She has served the Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk as a member of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Central Election Commission and is currently the President of the 6th Election Commission. Ms. Chodon was earlier elected to the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE during which she has served in several parliamentary committees.

She has also participated in the 6th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet (WPCT), held in Ottawa, Canada in 2012.

Yangchen Dolkar was born in exile. Following the completion of her B. Sc. Zoology from Northeastern Hill University, Shillong, and M. Sc. in Biotechnology from Bangalore University, she pursued a Diploma in Computer Application from Aptech, Shillong, and a Diploma in Retail Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.

She worked as a General Secretary at RTYC and Regional Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk, Shillong, from 2007-2010 and simultaneously Treasurer at Northeastern chapters of RTYC from 2008-2010, and Secretary at the local Jhalupara Area Development in 2009.

She is one of the founding members of Derge Gyalyong Welfare Society and currently serves as its General Secretary.

She was earlier elected to the Fifteenth TPiE.

Serta Tsultrim Toktsa-Tsang was born in Kham Serta, Tibet. After coming into exile in 1998, he continued his studies at the Tibetan Transit School, Dharamshala.

After working with the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA, he joined the Norbulingka Institute as an editor and researcher at the Cultural and Literary Research Centre.

He is the founder and Executive Director of Khawa Karpo Tibet Culture Centre, a non-profit organization based in Dharamshala. He is also the Tibetan Editorin-Chief at Bod-Kyi-Bangchen (The Tibet Express). As a writer, he has published several articles, poetry, research works and books. He also served as a coordinator for the Association of Tibetan Journalists (ATJ).

He was earlier elected to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Dorjee Tseten was born at Bir Tibetan refugee settlement, Himachal Pradesh.

He obtained his BA in Economics and PGD in Human Rights Studies from MS University, Gujarat.

During his college years he has served as the President of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Baroda. He worked as a trainer at the Tibetan Center for Conflict Resolution before becoming a member of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) India in 2009 and later became SFT India’s National Director for four years. He joined SFT International in 2013.

He is currently the Director of SFT Asia and a member of the Steering Committee of International Tibet Network.

Youdon Aukatsang was schooled at St. Joseph’s Academy, Dehradun. Following her completion of BA at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, and MA in International Politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, she further secured an MA degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA. She has been serving the Tibetan community in various capacities for more than 15 years. She has previously worked as a Research Associate at the Tibetan Women’s Association, a Senior Programme Officer at the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) and an Independent Consultant based in New Delhi for Kreddha International, an organization based in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Currently she works as the Founding Director of Empowering the Vision Project (ENVISION). She also serves on the boards of Empowering the Vision Project, Buddhist Women’s Educational Society and TCHRD. She was earlier elected as a member of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

Konchok Yangphel was born in Markham, Tibet, and fled to India in 1993. He attended high school at TCV Suja and Senior Secondary School at Upper TCV. He was the recipient of the prestigious Sherig Best Boy award for excellence.

He completed a BA in Political Science from Ramjas College, Delhi University in 2005 and an MA in Political Science from DU in 2007. During his college years he worked as President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Delhi.

He later became an executive member of the Tibetan Youth Congress for two consecutive terms from 2007-13 during which he travelled across the world including the US, Europe and Australia for campaigns and presentations on Tibet-related issues.

He is the former General Secretary of International Maitreya Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation in Delhi.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Pema Delek was born in 1952 in Lingtsang, Kham, Tibet. After arriving in exile in 1959, he studied at CST Bylakuppe and Namdroling Monastery, Bylakuppe, before joining Sanskrit University in Varanasi.

He served as the Secretary and subsequently the President of Arlikumari Milk Producers’ Cooperative Society from 1980-1982 and was elected as a Camp Leader in 1983-1984. He was one of the Directors of the Tibetan Cooperative Society (TCS) Ltd., Bylakuppe, and also became its first-elected Secretary from 1985-1989 and the President for two terms from 2004-2014. He served as the Vice-Chairman and later the Chairman of the Federation of Tibetan Cooperatives in India. He served as Assistant Regional Election OďŹƒcer for two terms.

He is currently the President of TCS Ltd., Bylakuppe, the Chairman of the Federation of Tibetan Cooperatives in India, and President of the 19th and the current 20th Working Committee of Welfare Society of Central Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk.

He was earlier elected to the Eleventh TPiE formerly known as ATPD.

Lobsang Dakpa was born on 1 October 1982 in Eastern Tibet. He was schooled at the Chinese Government School in Lithang. After coming into exile, he attended TCV Suja from 2000-05 and TCV Gopalpur from 2006-07, where he was elected as school captain and also appointed as the chief editor of a Chinese language magazine. He pursued law at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, from 2008-2010 and JSS Law College, Mysore (LL.B) from 2011-13.

He also studied for a LL.M in Corporate Law at Christ Law School Bangalore in 2014.

He was certified as a Tibetan Exile Lawyer in 2010. He was the General Secretary of the Tibetan Legal Association (TLA) before becoming the President in 2014.

He is a member of the International Tibet-China Pen association, registered in the USA since 2014.

Ngawang Tharpa Gewatsang was born in 1980 at Sog Dzong, Kham, Tibet. He studied Buddhist Philosophy and Science at Tsendhen Monastery in Sog Dzong.

Fleeing to India in 1996, he studied at the Tibetan Transit School for three years.

From 2000-2006 he worked at Norbulingka Institute as section head for the Archive and Computer sections and created around 20 bi-lingual websites during his leisure time. He was also a member of the Dharamshala Information Technology Group (DITG). In 2007, as an active member of the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), he has conducted workshops at various Tibetan settlements in India on the protection of the environment, particularly against the use of animal skins.

Since 2006 he has been working as the administrator, web-master and reporter at Khawa Karpo Tibet Culture Centre in Dharamshala.

He is also the President of the 8th LTA, Dharamshala, the President of DraSog-Dri-Sum Association and the Vice-General Secretary of Central Dhokham Chushi-Gangdruk.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Lobsang Yeshi is an alumnus of SFF Tibetan School, Herbertpur. He attained a BA/B Ed degree from Punjab University, Chandigarh, in 1992. During his college days he served as the General Secretary of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress and Vice President of the Foreign Students’ Association in Chandigarh. Later he served as a teacher in CST Paonta Sahib School for two years. From 1994-1999, he worked in Delhi as a researcher and translator in the Tibetan Affairs Monitor and Research Unit. For seven years he worked as a teacher in Sera Jey Secondary School in Bylakuppe while simultaneously working as the Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of TYC and later as its Vice President. From 2007-2013, he served at CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiatives as a board member, Coordinator and an HIV-Trainer. He is also an independent researcher and produces research papers and articles on Sino-Indo-Tibetan Affairs.

He was earlier elected to the Fifteenth TPiE.

DHOMEY Thupten Lungrig was born in 1957 in Amdo Rebkong, Tibet. He attended CST Dalhousie and in 1981 obtained his Masters or Acharya Degree from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Varanasi, India.

For 15 years he has served the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) schools in various capacities as a teacher at TCV Dharamshala from 1981-1992, and as Principal and Director of TCV Suja from 1991-1993. He is a former Deputy Speaker (then termed Vice-Chairman) during the Twelfth TPiE (then referred as ATPD). He was also elected Speaker of the Thirteenth ATPD and served the office from June -September 2001, before being elected to the Twelfth Kashag as Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture and the Department of Education, while carrying the joint portfolio of the Department of Health. He was also appointed as Kalon of the Department of Education during the Thirteenth Kashag from 2006-2011.

He was earlier elected to the Twelfth (directly nominated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama), Thirteenth and Fifteenth TPiE. Tashi Dhondup was born in 1972 in Mustang, Nepal and holds a diploma in Hotel Management. He initiated his career as a Front Desk officer, later promoted to Reservations Manager and Front Office Manager in Hotel Mount Annapurna (P) Ltd., Pokhara, from 1991-2000. Later he was transferred to Hotel Tibet International (P) Ltd., Kathmandu, by the Department of Finance, CTA, as Deputy General Manager from 2000-2002 and was promoted to General Manager within a year. From 1998-2000 he worked as an Executive member of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Jampaling, Pokhara, and later in the Hotel Gangjong (P) Ltd. He also worked at Hotel Manang (P) Ltd. as an Executive Manager for seven years.

Currently, he is an executive member of Central Dhomey Association, Dharamshala, and Vice President of the Regional Dhomey Association, Nepal, and as an administrator of Tsering Elders Home, Kathmandu.

He was earlier elected to the Fifteenth TPiE.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Tsering Lhamo was born in 1969 at Amdo Ngaba, Tibet. After graduating from school she worked as a Tibetan and Chinese translator at political session in 1991.

After fleeing into exile in India in 1992, she started working in the Research and Analysis Centre now known as the Tibet Policy Institute of the CTA. She has also translated several notable books. In 1999 she moved to Taiwan and worked as a news reporter with Radio Free Asia for a year and at Voice of America for seven years. After returning to India, she worked at the Department of Security and subsequently at the Department of Information and International Relations for six years as a website editor and head of the China Desk.

Yeshi Dolma was born in 1971 in Dharamshala and completed her schooling from TCV Dharamshala.

From 1996-1999 she served as an executive member of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA), Dharamshala. In 2003 she served as cashier for the Regional Dhomey Association, Dharamshala. From 2003-2006, she was an elected executive member of Central Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA). In 2005, the Tibetan Women’s Association undertook an All-India Peace March, during which she led 170 participants from Dehradun to Delhi.

In 2006-09, she was re-elected as an executive member of TWA. In 2009 she was elected to the board of the Central Dhomey Association and served as the Association’s President.

She was earlier elected to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

Lugtsang Gyari Thar was born in 1972 at Mangra Lugtsang, Dhomey province of Tibet. He finished primary and secondary school at district level and high school at a state level school. In 1992 he graduated from Tsolug Tibetan Nationality Autonomous Region teachers’ training centre. He served as a teacher for 11 years in Tibet.

In 2002 he fled into exile and since then he has edited more than 40 magazines and books. He served as a member of Dhasa Regional Election Commission for two terms from 2009-2016. He was also elected as the General Secretary of Dhomey Central Executive Committee for six years. Additionally he served as an executive member of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama’s 80th Birthday Celebration Committee.

He was earlier elected to the Fifteenth TPiE and a member of the Parliament’s committee producing the book Details on Evolution of Tibetan Democratic Polityin-Exile.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Lobsang Choejor was born in 1982 in Rebkong, Amdo Province of Tibet. He completed his schooling in Tibet.

After coming to India in 2003 he studied at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, Dharamshala. Through the generosity of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in 2006 he studied English at the British Council in Delhi, and also from 20072009 he studied Chinese language at Tamkang University, Taiwan. He joined the Central Tibetan Administration as a history researcher from 2009-2010, sent by the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was appointed to the Thirteenth Kashag Response Committee and served from 2011-2012. From 2012-14 he worked as an Assistant Director at the Central Office of the Tibet People’s Movement for MWA. He has authored several books on history, politics, culture and poetry, including ‘Raising Sino-Tibet Issue’, ‘Political Analysis’, and ‘Amey Bhu’ (Mother’s Son). He has also published articles and reviews online. Currently he works at the Dhomey history section at the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Dhondup Tashi was born in Hortsang Takrang village, Amdo Province in Tibet. In 1997 he studied Buddhist Philosophy and Medicine at Labrang Tashi Kyil and also did correspondence studies in western philosophy and contemporary social science.

In 2000, he acquired his master’s degree from Xi bei min zu xue yuan where he had studied Tibetan history, literature, Tibetan linguistics and ancient orthography.

After coming into exile in 2002, he continued his studies at Sherab Gatsel Lobling School, Dharamshala where his studies included English and computer literacy. He jointly served as an editor of the school magazine and Tibetan language teacher.

He has been an editor of Dhomey Den-gyab Writer’s Club since 2008 and also served as Vice President of the Tibetan Journalists’ Association from 2007 to 2010.

In 2007, he joined Tibet Times as a reporter, then senior reporter, and sub-editor in 2009. He was promoted to his current position as chief-editor in 2010.

Sonam Norbu Ratsa was born in Dholanji, Himachal Pradesh. After his schooling in CST Shimla, he pursued graduate studies at Punjab University. He was previously working for Financial Markets Foundation Course, an ISO 2007 certified American Financial Corporation for four years and was associated with several Indian NGOs imparting free education to underprivileged children and adults.

He is currently employed by Royal Bank of Canada since 2010 as a Senior Consultant.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Karma Gelek was born on 1 January 1962 in Gangtok, Sikkim. After studying at CST Mussoorie, in 1985 he joined the Special Frontier Force (SFF) and served for over 12 years. During this period he was deputed to serve with the private security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the latter’s residence in Dharamshala for three years.

He was elected as a member of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Bhandara Tibetan Settlement, from 1998-2016 where he also worked as the Chairman of the Assembly for 12 years. He also served as an executive member of the Central Dhomey Association for three terms.

Presently he is the President of All India Tibetan Refugee Traders’ Association and an executive member of the Central Dhomey Association.

Tsering Youdon was born in Dehradun and studied at SFF children’s school. She holds diplomas in computer and secretarial studies from Bangalore and a Masters in Political Science from Mysore.

From 1982 to 1991 she worked with MYRADA as Secretary, then Programme Assistant, and later as Systems Supervisor and Sponsorship Assistant. From 19912000, she joined the Representative Office of Tibetan Rabgayling Settlement as Project Officer. She was also a member of the Regional Election Committee for three terms. Simultaneously, she was elected as President of RTWA and President of Regional Dhomey Association from 1994-97. In the years 2000-2003, she was elected President of the Parents’ Association of Rabgayling. From 2001-2004 she was elected as treasurer and later as a Vice-President of RTYC. In 2005 she became the first elected President of TRL Co-op. Society.

She was earlier elected to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Tibetan Parliament-inExile.

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICAS Pema Chagzoetsang worked in the Tibetan Homes Foundation Office, India, from 1978-1983. She served in various positions: Board member of the New Hope Multi-Cultural Center from 1992-96; President of Utah Tibetan Association (UTA) for two terms 1998-2000 and 2010-2014; Utah Governor’s Asian Council from 2005-2009, Board Member of the Tibet Fund from 1997-2007, Director of Utah State Refugees for several years.

She coordinated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first-ever historic visit to Utah in 2001 and the second visit in 2016. In May 2012 she successfully nominated His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the prestigious Templeton Prize.

Currently she is working for the State Community Services Office, administering Federal and State Grants for Statewide Homelessness, Low-income and HIV Programs.

She was honoured with several awards including the YWCA’s Women of the Year Social Service and the JC Penny Award for Social Service in 1992.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Tsewang Rigzin was born in Gangtok and raised in Bylakuppe, India. He attended CST Chowkur and CST Gurupura schools before joining Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School in Gangtok and St. Philomena’s College in Mysore, South India.

From 1999-2002 he served as an executive member of RTYC, Minnesota. From 2004–2006, he worked as a board member of the International Tibet Independence Movement founded by Taktser Rinpoche, the eldest brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. From 2005–2007 he served as President of RTYC, Portland and Vancouver. Later he was elected as President of the Central Executive Committee of TYC, Dharamshala for two consecutive terms from 2007-2010 and 2010-2013.

He has also participated in World Council, World Congress and Asia Pacific meetings of the International Union of Socialist Youth and has interacted with numerous eminent foreign diplomats to discuss the issue of Tibet.

EUROPE AND AFRICA

Ven. Thubten Wangchen was born in 1954 in Kyirong, Tibet. He attended CST Dalhousie. At the age of 16 he joined the Namgyal Monastery, Dharamshala, where he studied Buddhist philosophy and its rituals, ceremonies, sacred dances, mandalas, etc. for 11 years. In 1981, he moved to Spain as translator for a Geshe of FPMT. Since then he has been organizing conferences, exhibitions and seminars on various aspects on Tibetan culture and human rights.

He has established cultural centre called Tibet House Foundation, in Barcelona, Spain to enhance the dissemination and advocacy of Tibetan culture, human rights, cooperation and solidarity with the Tibetan people in exile. The centre was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1994.

He was earlier elected as a member of the Fifteenth TPiE. Jampa Tsering Samdho was born in Bylakuppe in 1971. He has BA (Shastri) and MA (Acharya) degrees from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi. He was the President of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein from 2001-2004. He was a language teacher with the Tibetan school at Rikon. From November 2005 he served as a Vice-President of LHASA BOYS Association. He was also the Co-Secretary General of the organising committee ‘The Dalai Lama in Switzerland 2005’.

He has been serving as Secretary of the Tibetan Community in Rikon, Switzerland, since 2010.

ASIA AND AUSTRALASIA (EXCLUDING INDIA, NEPAL AND BHUTAN) Kyinzom Dhongdue was born in Bylakuppe, South India and schooled at TCV Dharamshala. She did her undergraduate in English Literature at Delhi University and subsequently Post-Graduation in Journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.

After graduation, she worked with various newspapers in New Delhi, including the Times of India for over four years. Later she moved to Australia in 2005.

Since 2010, she has been the campaign manager for Australia Tibet Council.

Currently she is the Australasia representative on the Steering Committee of International Tibet Network.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

Members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament during the session.

The Tibetan Parliament holds two parliamentary sessions annually for 10-15 days with an interval of six months, the Budget Session in March and the General Session in September. Additional sessions are held when requested by more than fifty percent of the Kashag, or of the Tibetan Parliament, or of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker may jointly decide to call additional sessions of the Tibetan Parliament.  To approve the Kalons nominated by the Sikyong and to impeach the Sikyong or any individual Kalon (minister) if need be;  To examine the decisions of the Kashag and its administration in light of the policies and programmes adopted by the Parliament;  To i m p e a c h t h e S u p r e m e Ju s t i c e Commissioners and the heads of the three autonomous bodies if need be;  To enact laws, frame rules and regulations and decide policy matters; (till date the TPiE has enacted 27 laws, rules and regulations, and has made 34 amendments in the Charter of the Tibetans-in-Exile)  To control and oversee the finances, including

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the expenditure, of the Central Tibetan Administration;  To streamline and strengthen the functioning of the local Tibetan Assemblies in all the major Tibetan Settlements;  To liaise with governments, parliaments, NGOs and individuals throughout the world in order to garner support for the Cause of Tibet;  To oversee the work of the Tibetan Freedom Movement and its Sub-Committees;  To debate on issues of national and international importance as well as issues of local and individual significance;

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE - Calling Attention Motion - Statements by Kalons or individual Parliamentarians - Passing of Legislation - Voting on Grant-in-Aid; control of public finances - Processing of miscellaneous budget; and - Debate on Motions or Statements

 To visit the Tibetan Settlements periodically and appraise the administration and assess grievances of the general public;  To monitor the aspirations and problems of the Tibetan people, both in and outside Tibet, by maintaining contact with them;

 To exercise the roles of both the opposition and ruling parties under a partyless For the purpose of preparing and facilitating the work of the Parliament, the members are divided democratic system. on the basis of their area of specialisation into The Business Routine various committees to undertake detailed work of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile : on behalf of the Parliament.

- Question Hour

STANDING COMMITTEE

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES

When the Parliament is not in session, there is a Standing Committee of 11 members including the - Standing Committee Speaker and Deputy Speaker; two from each of the - Business Advisory Committee provinces and one from each of the religious de- Committee on Education nominations. The members are divided into three - Committee on Health Care - Committee on Human Rights and Environment sections: Political, Administrative and Gyundrel (Finance).

- Committee on Public Accounts - Committee on Religious and Cultural Activities The members of the Standing Committee attend office fulltime and are involved in the routine works - Committee on Social Welfare and Settlements undertaken by the Parliament such as analysing - Select Committee on Bills - Budget Estimate Committee; and the political situation inside Tibet, reviewing the annual report and audit of the departments and - Select Committee on other specific issues sanctioning interim budgets etc.

Members of the Standing Committee during the standing committee meeting.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE WORLD PARLIAMENTARIANS CONVENTION ON TIBET (WPCT) The TPiE is actively engaged with lawmakers of democratic countries to garner coordinated support for the Tibet Issue. One of the major events regarding this has been holding of a series of World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet (WPCT). The First WPCT was held in New Delhi, India, 18-20 March 1994; the Second WPCT, Vilnius, Lithuania, 26-28 March 1995; the Third WPCT, Washington DC, USA, 23-24 April 1997; the Fourth WPCT, Edinburgh, Scotland, 18-19 November 2005; the Fifth WPCT, Rome, Italy, 18-

19 November 2009; and the Sixth WPCT, Ottawa, Canada, 27-29 April 2012.The Sixth WPCT mainly focused on reviewing and furthering the major decisions for action arrived at in 2009 during the Fifth WPCT and come out with an Ottawa Declaration on Tibet in 2012. The seventh WPCT was held at Riga, Latvia from 8-10 May 2019. The convention was participated by 80 people from 17 different countries. The 7th World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet adopted the Riga Declaration and Riga Action plan.

The first WPCT held at India in 1994

The sixth WPCT held at Canada in 2012

The Seventh WPCT held at Latvia, Riga in 2019

Participants of the seventh WPCT held at Latvia, 2019 Photo:Kalsang Youdon

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Sixteenth TPiE with staff members of the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat

The Parliamentary Secretariat works under a Secretary-General who in turn functions under the guidance of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The Secretariat undertakes the responsibility of preparing parliamentary procedures and practices, and makes arrangements for recording and transcribing the formal proceedings of the Parliament. The entire proceedings of each session are published in both print and web-based media and are disseminated to all the Tibetan

Secretary Tsering Topgyal Lhakhang of the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat

Settlement officers, representatives of Local Tibetan Assemblies, Tibetan Freedom Movement committees and the Tibetan media, Offices of Tibet, NGOs and Tibet Support Groups and organisations.

It also has a comprehensive library which is essential for research and reference.

The Secretariat has three sections: Administrative, Editorial, Translation & Publication, and Website & Media.

Staff members of the Parliamentary Secretariat preparing documents for the parliamentary sessions.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

CHARTER OF THE TIBETANS-IN-EXILE The Charter of the Tibetans-in-Exile is the supreme law governing the functioning of the Central Tibetan Administration. It was drafted by the Constitution Redrafting Committee set up by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1990. The draft of the Charter, containing 108 Articles, was widely circulated by the Committee in early 1991 to solicit feedback and suggestions. The Committee then drafted the final draft Charter and submitted it to the Eleventh Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies.

The Eleventh Assembly deliberated on the Charter and passed it unanimously on 14 June 1991. Approval from His Holiness was received on 28 June 1991.

The Charter enshrines the basic principles of democracy, with separation of powers among the three organs of the Administration: Judiciary, Legislature and Executive. Before the Charter, the Central Tibetan Administration functioned roughly along the lines of the draft Democratic Constitution for Future Tibet, promulgated by His Holiness on the 10 March 1963.

The salient features of the Charter incorporate non-violence, free democratic policy, respect for human rights, and the promotion of moral values while ensuring the material welfare of the Tibetan people. It also outlines the rights and responsibilities of the Tibetans in exile – including the ways to seek the resolution of the Tibet issue and how to bring happiness to the Tibetans inside Tibet. It provides for equal political rights and economic and social benefits in the exile community, including in the fields of education, culture, and health.

The Charter is a comprehensive working constitution. It is modelled on similar documents in liberal democracies while being rooted in Tibetan values. The care and precision with

which the rights and duties of the community in exile and the functions of its administration are laid down constitute the principles of a working democratic system, guaranteeing individual rights and suited to the genius of Tibet.

The Charter lays down principles for every aspect of administration for the community in exile and serves as a model for future Tibet.

It lays down fundamental principles, rights and duties, directive principles of the Central Tibetan Administration policy, and defines the functions of the Executive, Judiciary, Legislature; administration of the Tibetan Settlements, the Tibetan Election Commission, Public Service Commission and Office of the Tibetan Auditor General.

The Charter makes it clear that it does not promote any form of state religion. All religious denominations are expressly assured equality before the law, with the further assurance that there will be no discrimination on “grounds of birth, sex, race, religion, language, lay or ordained, social origin, rich or poor, elected position or other status.” A long list of other rights confirms the Charter’s liberal character.

The Charter does not ignore the Tibetan homeland, it directs the Tibetan Administration to “maintain a just policy for the achievement of the common goal of Tibet.” It is also required to protect Tibetans in Tibet from hardships and danger. It is also directed to promote the wellbeing of the exiles in the settlements and to pay particular attention to education – already one of the major achievements of the Tibetan community.

The Charter has so far been amended 34 times, with the first and last amendment being made on 11 February 1992 and 3 October 2018 respectively.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

FAR-FLUNG ELECTIONS Out of over 130,000 Tibetans in exile, about 110,000 live in different parts of India, Nepal and Bhutan, while the rest live in the West. The largest concentration of Tibetans outside Tibet resides in various Settlements in South India headed by a Settlement Officer. A Settlement constitutes a cluster of camps or villages. Each camp/village in the cluster elects a camp leader who keeps in touch with the Settlement Officer, thus forming a sort of democratic pyramid. The Settlement Officers are predominantly appointed by the Central Tibetan Administration while some Settlements elect administrators.

Out of 45 large Settlements, 37 have their own Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA). The Local Tibetan Assemblies are scaled-down replicas of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. They supervise the activities of their respective local administrative heads and also make laws for their respective communities according to local needs. The bigger Settlements have Co-operative Societies to assist them economically.

The people elect their representatives to the Co-operative Society’s Board of Directors, members of the local Tibetan Freedom Movement Sub-Committee, members of the LTA and also take part in the election of members of the

Tibetan Parliament and the Sikyong. Elections for Tibetan Parliament and Sikyong are held on a single day all over the world. The far-flung locations of the settlements, with some of them lacking in basic communication facilities, make the election process a daunting task. During the elections, two additional Election Commissioners are appointed to assist the fulltime Chief Election Commissioner. Members of Local Election Committees are elected by the local community while the Returning Officers and the election staff members are appointed by the Chief Election Commissioner.

Since there are no political parties in the community in exile, candidates for the Parliament-in-Exile election, overseen by the Tibetan Election Commission, are put forward by their respective constituencies in a manner similar to that in the US primaries. Lists of candidates thus determined, numbering not less than double the number of Parliament-in-Exile seats available for the concerned constituency, are drawn up in sequence according to the number of votes obtained by each of the candidates in the primary voting. Subject to withdrawals, if any, these then become the lists of candidates for the final poll.

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67 Planning Commission

Department of Finance

AUTONOMOUS BODIES

37 Local Tibetan Assemblies Parliamentary Secretariat

Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

Department of Security

Department of Health

1 12 Offices of Tibet: New Delhi, Kathmandu, Geneva, Washington DC, Tokyo, London, Moscow, Brussels, Canberra, Pretoria, Taipei and Sao Paulo 2 Tibet Policy Institute 3 Narthang Press 4 Tibetan Computer Resource Centre

7 hospitals, 5 Primary Health Care Centres, 36 Clinics for Allopathic Medicine and 51 Clinics of TMAI

Department of Information & International Relations

70 Tibetans schools 1 Branch Security Office including 6-CTSA, 2 Reception Centres in 30-STSS, 16-TCV, 3 Kathmandu, Delhi THF, 9-SLF, 6-Others and Dharamshala

Department of Education

Election Commission Public Service Comission Office of Auditor General

Kashag (Cabinet)

26 agricultural & 19 handicraftbased Settlements; 13 cluster and scattered communities in India, Nepal and Bhutan; 17 cooperative societies in India and Nepal

Department of Home

Kashag Secretariat

1 Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture, Sidhpur 2 Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Dharamshala 3 Central University of Tibetan Studies, Varanasi 4 Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamshala 5 Tibet House, New Delhi 6 Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture, Darjeeling 7 Over 276 monasteries and nunneries with around 39,739 monks and nuns.

Department of Religion & Culture

Judicial Secretariat

Supreme Justice Commission

CENTRAL TIBETAN ADMINISTRATION’S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

SUPREME JUSTICE COMMISSION The Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission was founded on 11th March 1992 in accordance with Article 62 of the Charter of the Tibetans in exile. It is the apex judicial organ of the Central Tibetan Administration. According to the Charter, the Supreme Justice Commission is responsible for adjudicating all civil disputes in Tibetan Communities. The Commission, however, does not entertain any suit, if doing so is seen to be in contravention of the laws of the host countries. Similarly, the commission does not handle criminal suits, as this is the preserve of the respective host government.

Supreme Justice Commission aims to render equal protection before the law to all Tibetans, irrespective of birth, caste, sex, religion, lay, ordained, rich, poor, social origin, position or other status. In essence, the judiciary is an organ where people can bring their grievances against the administration.

The Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission is comprised of Chief Justice Commissioner and two Other Justice Commissioners. The Chief Justice Commissioner chairs commissioner’s sittings and adjudications. However, while adjudicating suit(s) the Commissioners exercise equal power. The Chief Justice Commissioner has the dual role of being the administrative head of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission.

The Chief Justice Commissioner and the other two Justice Commissioners are elected by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile(TPiE) out of the nominated candidates list submitted by the selection committee of 3-5 members appointed by the Chief Justice Commissioner, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of TPiE and Sikyong, as and when the vacancy arises. The Chief Justice Commissioner shall hold office for a term of 5 years or until he/she attains 65, whichever is earlier. The two other Commissioners shall hold office till the age of 65. However, TPiE by a motion of 2/3rd majority may impeach them, before the expiry of their tenure.

Article 67 of the Charter has given quasi-legislative power to the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission to formulate unanimously Laws and Regulations for its own functioning. Therefore, so far Supreme Justice Commission has formulated Tibetan Civil Procedure Code, Judiciary Code, and Evidence Law. According to the Judiciary Code and Civil Procedure Code, there shall be three tiers of the Justice Commission viz: The Supreme Justice Commission, The Circuit Justice Commission, and the Local Justice Commission. There are, as of now three full-fledged Local Justice Commissions functioning: Southern Local Tibetan Justice Commission in Bylakuppe, Northern Local Tibetan Justice Commission in Dehradun and Ladakh Local Tibetan Justice Commission. Adjudication jurisdiction of the threetier commissions are elaborately given in article 7, 24 and 25 of the Judiciary Code. As per article 28 of the Judiciary code area wise jurisdiction of the three Local Justice Commissions has also been prescribed in the Commissioners sitting.

The Supreme Justice Commission and the Local Justice Commission are serviced by Justice Secretariats, which provides secretarial and administrative services to the Commissions.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

THE KASHAG (CABINET) The Kashag (Cabinet) is the highest executive office of the Central Tibetan Administration. The Kashag runs and fulfills all the CTA’s executive and administrative responsibilities.

In accordance with the Charter of the Tibetans-in-Exile, the seven-member Kashag, is headed by a Sikyong (Political Leader). The Sikyong is directly elected by the Tibetan populace in exile, and in turn nominates the seven Kalons before seeking the Parliament’s approval.

The term of the Kashag is for five years. While the ministers function from their departments, they meet regularly for discussion and collective decision-making on policy and administrative matters.

The new Kashag Secretariat inaugurated on 2 June 2011.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE The Department of Religion and Culture seeks to preserve and promote Tibetan cultural and religious institutions, which are being annihilated by the occupying Chinese authorities in Tibet.

It supervises 276 monasteries and nunneries with around 39,739 monks and nuns in exile. It also gives back-up services to these institutes and maintains close contact with Buddhist centres around the world.

In addition to the monasteries and nunneries, there are six cultural centres for the study of both the spiritual and secular traditions of Tibet. While some of these centres are autonomous bodies financed by the Government of India, others are self-financed.

The Department of Home is responsible for all rehabilitation of Tibetans in exile, looking after more than 60 agricultural settlements, agro-industries, handicraft societies and carpet-weaving cooperatives, and many other scattered communities in India, Nepal and Bhutan.

It works in close co-operation with the Government of India and international organisations involved in helping Tibetans to improve their livelihoods.

The Department of Finance oversees the CTA’s expenses and generates revenue. The main source of its income is the annual voluntary contribution (dang-lang cha-ngul) from the exile Tibetans. Every Tibetan makes an annual contribution of a certain amount based on his/her age, work and the place of residence. All salaried Tibetans contribute a prescribed percentage of their salary, and those engaged in business contribute a fixed amount from their net profit to the administration.

It formulates the annual budget of the CTA and submits the plan to the Parliament for its scrutiny and approval.

The Department of Education (DoE) supervises 70 Tibetan schools in India and Nepal under different administrative bodies, serving around 24,000 children.

Of these 6 out of 70 schools operate directly under, and are funded by, the Central Tibetan School Administration (CTSA) of the Government of India and 30 by the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS) of the DoE. The Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) in Dharamshala, the Tibetan Homes Foundation (THF) in Mussoorie and the Snow Lion Foundation (SLF) in Nepal are autonomous bodies or institutions under the Department of Education. These autonomous institutions look after 28 schools: TCV-16, THF-3 and SLF-9. There are six other Tibetan schools in India and Nepal.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE The Department of Security’s primary responsibility is to ensure the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It has a Branch Security Office in McLeod Ganj, which arranges public audiences with His Holiness and helps Tibetan refugees in applying for, and seeking renewal of, their refugee registration certificates issued by the Government of India.

It also runs a Research Unit which monitors developments in Tibet and China. Additionally, it oversees its Reception Centres in Dharamshala, Kathmandu and Delhi, to look after new refugees arriving from Tibet.

The Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) educates the Tibetans and international communities about the political, human rights and environmental situation in occupied Tibet.

It publishes books and provides information on Tibet in print, online and via multi-media. The periodicals are published in Tibetan, English and Chinese.

It also serves as a protocol office of the CTA and liaises with the international media and Tibet Support Groups throughout the world. There are 12 Offices of Tibet under the DIIR, which function as the official agencies of the CTA and are based in New Delhi, Kathmandu, Geneva, New York, Tokyo, London, Moscow, Brussels, Canberra, Pretoria, Taipei and Sao Paulo.

The Department of Health ensures medical and health care assistance to every settlement through its seven hospitals, five primary health care centres and 36 clinics for allopathic medicine. It meets the cost of emergency health care services and treatment for new refugees and other needy Tibetans.

The Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (TMAI or Men-Tsee-Khang) in Dharamshala is an autonomous body, under the auspices of the Department, which has 51 branch clinics in various parts of India and Nepal to provide traditional Tibetan medical care to Tibetans and the local population.

AUTONOMOUS BODIES: The Election Commission conducts and supervises elections of all those specified in the Charter including the members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Sikyong, members of Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA) and Bhod Rangwang Denpai Legul (BRDL) The Public Service Commission is responsible for recruitment, training and promotion of the civil servants employed in the CTA. The Office of the Auditor General is responsible for auditing the accounts of all the departments and its subsidiaries. It also evaluates the efficiency, propriety and management performance.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE

MEMBERS OF THE FIFTEENTH KASHAG major news outlets including CNN, New York Times, Washington Post and Time magazine.

He organised seven major conferences among Chinese, Tibetan, Indian and Western scholars, including two unprecedented meetings between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Chinese scholars in 2003 and 2009 at Harvard University.

In 2007, he was selected as one of the twenty-four Young Leaders of Asia by the Asia Society and a delegate to the World Justice Forum in Vienna, Austria, where top legal experts and judges from around the world congregated.

SIKYONG DR. LOBSANG SANGAY (2016-2021) Dr. Lobsang Sangay was born and grew up in a Tibetan settlement near Darjeeling, where he attended the Central School for Tibetans. He completed his B.A. (Honors) and LLB degrees from Delhi University.

In 1992, he was elected as the youngest executive member of the Tibetan Youth Congress (CENTREX).

In 1996, as a Fulbright Scholar, he obtained a Masters degree and in 2004, S.J.D, the first Tibetan ever to receive such a degree from Harvard Law School and his dissertation, Democracy in Distress: Is Exile Polity a Remedy? A Case Study of Tibet’s Government-inexile was awarded the Yong K. Kim’ 95 Prize. In 2005, he was appointed as a research fellow by Harvard and promoted to senior fellow till early 2011.

Dr. Sangay is an expert on International Human Rights Law, Democratic Constitutionalism, and Conflict Resolution. He has spoken at hundreds of seminars around the world and been interviewed on

In 2011, he was elected to the post of Kalon Tripa in an unprecedented competitive democratic election among the Tibetan exile diaspora. On 8 August 2011, during the swearing–in ceremony of the Kalon Tripa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “When I was young, an elderly regent Takdrag Rinpoche handed over Sikyong (political leadership) to me, and today I am handing over Sikyong to young Lobsang Sangay…

In doing this I have fulfilled my long-cherished goal.”

In 2016, Dr. Lobsang Sangay was re-elected as the Sikyong for the second consecutive term, to head the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and vowed to continue the Tibetan freedom struggle. Dr. Sangay proposed a strategy of five-fifty which calls for a renewed effort in the Tibetan people’s struggle to seek genuine autonomy in the next five years while strategising to strengthen and sustain the Tibetan movement over the next fifty years.

On 15 June 2016, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) presented a citation to Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay to recognise and honour the democratic institution of the Central Tibetan Administration as envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay became Sikyong, the democratically-elected leader, for the second consecutive term on 27 May 2016.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok was born in the Namru District of Northern Tibet in 1955 and escaped into exile in India in 1962. He attended CST Mussoorie and completed his higher secondary school in 1973. Thereafter, he enrolled himself in the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, Dharamshala and pursued intensive traditional Tibetan Buddhist studies for 13 years. Simultaneously, he completed an M.A. in English Language from Panjab University, Chandigarh. He received his Bhikkhu ordination from His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama in 1981.

He joined the Central Tibetan Administration in 1986 and served it in various capacities: Secretary for Religion & Culture, Secretary for Education, Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia and, finally, as Cabinet Secretary.

Kalon Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok Department of Religion and Culture

In June 2016 he was appointed as a member of the Fifteenth Kashag following the approval of the Sixteenth TPiE. Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang was born in 1954. After completing his studies, he attained a diploma in Financial Management funded by S.C.F (UK). He also pursued a Public Administration course from the State University at Stony Brook, New York, from 1989-1990.

Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang Department of Home

He joined the Central Tibetan Administration in 1979 and worked in various capacities: Deputy Secretary from 1990-1996, later on promoted to Joint Secretary; the Editor-in-Chief of Voice of Tibet, Norway from 1996-1997; Tibetan Settlement Officer at Hunsur, Karnataka state, from 1997-1999 and Additional Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture from 19992000, promoted to Secretary in 2001 and appointed as Director of the Tibetan Reception Center; Secretary of Finance Department for more than seven years; Secretary of Tibetan Homes Foundation, Mussoorie, from 2010-2012 and Secretary of the Department of Home since 2012-May 2016.

In June 2016, his nomination as Kalon in the Fifteenth Kashag was approved by the Sixteenth TPiE. Karma Yeshi was born in exile. He did his schooling from CST Puruwala, Poanta Sahib, and Dalhousie. After a few months’ military training, he pursued higher studies and earned degrees in B.A. Hons. B.Ed. and Interpretership in Language from Panjab University, Chandigarh.

He taught at the CST Puruwala for four years from 1990, was elected as VicePresident of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) in 1995 and, again, in 1998. He took part in a 26-day fast-unto-death protest in front of the United Nations office in Geneva during the UN Human Rights Commission meeting there in 1999 and also addressed its session. He has led many workshops and leadership trainings for Tibetans, and attended many national and international conferences promoting the Tibetan cause. From March 2003 to May 2011 he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Voice of Tibet radio news service.

Kalon Karma Yeshi Department of Finance

He was earlier elected to the Thirteenth (by-election), Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Dr. Pema Yangchen is an alumnus Tibetan Children’s Village, Dharamsala.

She completed her B.A. (Hon.) in English Literature from the University of Delhi and B.Ed. in English from University of Madras. She taught English at TCV Suja from 1993-1995 and later appointed as the Head of Arts Department from 1996-2001.

Kalon Pema Yangchen Department of Education

As a recipient of Tibetan Scholarship Program in 2003, she completed M.A in TESOL from the University of Northern Iowa, USA and later pursued Ed. D. from the same university in 2009. After which she served at The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education in Bangalore in different capacities like English lecturer, Head of Department, School of Education& BA Department (2010-2012), Co-Chair, Board of Examinations (2013-2016).

In 2012, she was promoted to the post of Vice Principal of the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education and served in that post till 2016.Dr. Pema was appointed as the Kalon for the Department of Education in April 2018.

Mr. Phagpa Tsering Labrang was born in 1965. After completing his education from Lanzhou University, he came into exile in 1992.

He joined the Central Tibetan Administration in 1993 and served in the Research and Analysis Centre under the Department of Security, currently known as the Tibet Policy Institute under the Department of Information and International Relations. He then earned his master’s degree in 1999 from Taiwan’s Zongshan University. He was the Administrative Secretary of the Department of Security from 2014-2016.

In June 2016, he was nominated as a Kalon of the 15th Kashag by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and was approved by the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Kalon Phagpa Tsering Labrang Department of Security

Department of Information and International Relations

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay has temporarily taken the additional charge of Department of Information and International Relations from 3 June 2016.

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TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Choekyong Wangchuk was born in Kalimpong in 1971 and completed his class XII from SFF Sr. Sec. School, Herbertpur. He earned his B.A. degree from Punjab University in 1993 and a PG Diploma in Marketing and Sales Management from Bhartiya Vidhya Bhavan in 1994.

Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk Department of Health

In 1991 and 1992 he was elected President of the Overseas Student’s Association of Government College for Men and President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Chandigarh. From 1995-2001 he was a member of the Central Executive Committee of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), where he worked in various capacities including Secretary International Relations, Joint Secretary, Editor of Rangzen Magazine and General Secretary. From 2002 to 2006, he served as the Deputy Coordinator and later Coordinator of the New Delhi-based India Tibet Coordination OďŹƒce (ITCO) under the CTA. He was previously elected to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth TPiE. From late 2008 to early 2015 he worked as Executive Director of the Tibetan Parliamentary & Policy Research Centre (TPPRC) based in New Delhi.

He has organized many Tibet awareness programmes and also made representations at many national and international conferences.

On 1 June 2016, he was appointed as a Kalon with approval from the Sixteenth TPiE.

Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay with 15th cabinet and staff members of the Kashag Secretariat.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS On behalf of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, I extend my sincere gratitude to all the people and organizations who have contributed in publishing this work.

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre (TPPRC) for publishing the previous five editions of the book.

Special thanks goes to Ms Jane Perkins, Mr Thubten Samphel, Ms. Tenzin Pema of Tibet Policy Institute; and Ms Sharling Tenzin Dhardon for taking time out from their busy schedules in proofreading and providing valuable feedbacks in the compilation of this book.

My deepest gratitude to former Secretary Mr Topgyal of the Tibetan parliamentary secretariat for bearing the major responsibility and providing constructive guidance to the staff in the compilation and publication of this book.

My gratitude also goes to the staff of the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat including Ms Tenzin Chodon for the photos of the MPs, Mr Chodak for the layout and design, Ms Dechen Khando for editing the photos and the book covers, and Ms Tenzin Yangchen for editing, updating and compiling the content of the book. I would also like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to Ms. Kalsang Youdon who has invested her full effort and took full responsibility in editing, updating and compiling the content of the seventh edition of the book. Their patience and cooperation in the compilation of this book is indispensable, the book would never have been complete without their constant attention, hard work and dedication.

Lastly, I would like to thank The Tibet Museum of DIIR for providing high-resolution photos and Mr Lobsang Wangyal, Photojournalist for the group photo of the Sixteenth TPiE. Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Deputy Speaker, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Front Cover: Parliament building with the Dhauladhar mountain range in the background.

Back Cover: Aerial view of Gangchen Kyishong, the seat of Central Tibetan Administration.

Printed at Vee-Enn-Print-O-Pac, www.vnprints.com First Edition 1996 Second Edition 1999 Third Edition 2003 Fourth Edition 2009 Fifth Edition 2012 Sixth Edition 2017 Seventh Edition 2019

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the Deputy Speaker and Former Speaker of the Sixteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Photo:OHHDL

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the Speaker of the Sixteenth Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Photo:OHHDL

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