Tibet's parliament-in-exile working for Tibetans across the world
By ANI
Monday October 1, 03:41 PM
Dharamshala, Oct 1 (ANI): The 14th Tibetan parliament-in-exile here is working for welfare of Tibetans living in different parts of the world.
This parliament-in-exile was first started by Buddhist spiritual leader, Dalai Lama on, September 2, 1960 with 13 members.
In 1991, the strength of members of the Parliament was increased to 46 and the process was made more democratic, as these members were now elected by Tibetans living in exile across the world.
Out of the46, thirty members are elected on the basis of three provinces in Tibet ten from each province of U -Tsang (central Tibet), Kham or Dotoe (Eastern Tibet), and Amdo or Dhome (Northeastern Tibet).
Ten are religious representative two each from four schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyima, Kagyud, Sakya and Gelug) and two from pre-Buddhist religion of Bon.
Tibetans living in the West elect three members, two from Europe and one from North America.
The Dalai Lama also used to nominate three members from fields of art, science, literature and community services.
"A little
amendment has been made in the provision of nominated members - that his holiness
can nominate any number of members or he may choose not to nominate any member
also said Karma Chophel, Speaker, Assembly of
Tibetan People Deputies.
The Tibetan Constitution and parliament-in-exile have its features heavily borrowed from the Indian Constitution and parliament.
It is a one-house Parliament, which meets twice a year for about a fortnight each. The tenure of this parliament is five years.
Though it functions like other legislatures, the plain, utilitarian structure is a testament to its temporary, exile status.
The Tibetan people, both inside and outside Tibet, consider the government-in-exile to be the sole legitimate government of Tibet.
An estimated 134,000 Tibetans live in exile, the majority of them in India and Nepal.
The Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama set up his seat of power in Dharamsala after he along with his followers fled to India in 1959, nine years after China occupied Tibet.
The Dalai Lama
has been campaigning for greater autonomy for Tibet. (ANI)