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An Alert Parliament
It is not unknown for democratic constitutions to remain so only on paper because of lack of experience. But after
their careful apprenticeship in parliamentary procedures, the Tibetan Deputies show no hesitation in performing
their duties. The Parliament now meets twice a year, in March and September, for about ten to fifteen days. Even
though the Eleventh Parliament winter sessions were held when it was very cold in Dharamsala and the summer sessions
during the worst of the monsoon, the attendance was better than in other legislature. Almost every Deputy is in
his/her seat by 9.30 a.m. every morning. Although they appear to be more disciplined than legislators elsewhere,
the Deputies are far from deferential and keep the Kalons on their toes.
The Tibetan Parliament has borrowed the practice of providing for a Zero Hour from the Indian Parliament to enable
Deputies to raise issues of immediate concern. The target is usually the executive.
Then there is a Question Hour during which subjects ranging from matters of local interest, like school admissions,
to foreign affairs are taken up.
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