DHARAMSHALA, March 16: The executive branch of the exile Tibetan government, the Central Tibetan Administration, has proposed a budget of ₹3,407.42 million (₹340.74 crore) for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposal was presented on Monday during the opening day of the 11th session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
The 13-day parliamentary session, scheduled from March 16 to March 30, 2026, will be the final session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
The budget was introduced by Penpa Tsering, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister. The proposed budget is ₹103.4 million higher than last year’s approved allocation of ₹3,304.02 million, reflecting an overall increase of about 3.13 percent.
According to the proposal, ₹2,255.23 million—about 66.19 percent of the total budget—has been allocated for social sector programmes. Political-related expenditures account for ₹796.69 million (23.38 percent), while ₹355.50 million (10.43 percent) has been earmarked for administrative costs.
In the previous fiscal year, the administration initially proposed a budget of ₹3,675.30 million. However, the Parliament later approved a reduced allocation of ₹3,304.02 million for 2025–26. The reduction followed the termination of financial assistance from the United States, which the administration had anticipated while drafting its earlier proposal of around ₹368 crore. With nearly 90 percent of its funding dependent on external assistance, the administration had to revise its fiscal planning due to the funding shortfall.
During the opening session, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel acknowledged the continued support of the Government and people of India, along with various countries and international supporters. He said such assistance has helped Tibetans in exile preserve and promote their language, culture, and religious traditions for more than six decades while strengthening global awareness of the Tibetan cause.
The Speaker also referred to recent legislative developments in the National People's Congress, noting the passage of policies aimed at promoting “ethnic unity” and advancing the policy of Sinicization. He expressed concern that these measures could tighten state control over minority communities and religious practices. He urged Tibetans living in the free world to remain vigilant and continue safeguarding their language and cultural identity.
The ongoing parliamentary session will primarily deliberate on the approval of the administration’s proposed budget. Lawmakers will also review the final report of a special committee tasked with standardizing the design, colours, and specifications of the Tibetan national flag and national emblem.