Sikyong Sangay focuses on development of settlements

Sikyong Lobsang Sangay announced the formation of committees to plan development of the Tibetan settlements, and expressed need for change in the existing election procedures.

Two committees have been formed with retired CTA staff members to make recommendations for development, Sangay said at a press conference at the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala.

“The two committees will present their findings and their recommendations after assessing the declining health situation and the economic condition of the Tibetans in the settlements,” Sikyong said.

Sangay has given priority to develop the settlements after a lambasting by Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama of the current leadership for its failings, particularly the deplorable health situation in the settlements and declining morality among Tibetans.

The Dalai Lama gave his criticism on the centenary anniversary of Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrology Institute) on 23 March.

As a result of the reprimands of the oracles regarding the conduct of the Sikyong candidates, meetings were held by the Kashag and the Parliament.

The oracles had also emphasised that this misconduct could have bad effects on the health and life of the Dalai Lama, and that the two Sikyong candidates should offer apologies to the Dalai Lama.

Speaking about the need for reforms in the election process, Sangay said that his cabinet has written a proposal to the Parliament to change the existing election laws.

“We have two elections, unlike anywhere else in the world, and the process is too long,” Sangay said.

It takes about ten months to complete the process to elect the Sikyong and the members of Parliament. One of Sangay’s suggestions will be to shorten the length of the process.

Sangay also lamented the negative campaigns before the elections, saying, “The candidates had to spend more time clarifying baseless accusations rather than discussing important issues and policies.”

No questions were taken from the journalists during the press conference, and Sangay said that more details will be announced after the findings and recommendations of the committees.