Tibetan democracy embarks on new course

Beginning a new era in their Parliamentary democracy,Tibetans in India today made history by formally relieving their spiritual leader Dalai Lama of his political functions.

This morning,Dalai Lama signed the amendments,approved by the out going Parliament during its three-day long session last week,and immediately after this the 15th Parliament assumed its role under the changed system – wherein powers of Dalai Lama have formally been vested in the Prime Minister,Speaker,Deputy Speaker and Supreme Justice Commission. The Dalai Lama,however,as per the amendments,will continue to lead the Tibetans’ struggle,continue to be their spiritual head and provide them international leadership.

As per the changed provisions,the powers earlier vested with the Dalai Lama as head of the executive under Article 19 have been delegated to the Kalon Tripa or the prime minister,who will now will be able to approve and promulgate Bills and regulations passed by Parliament.

The name of the Tibetan government-in-exile has also been changed as Tibetan Administration,say Tibetan officials.