Dharamshala: The four-day 16th Administrative Conference of the Tibetan Settlement Officers, organised by the Department of Home of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), concluded this evening on 14 November 2025.

The closing session was honoured by former Kalon Dongchung Ngodup as the chief guest. Tibetan Settlement Officers from India and Bhutan, Agriculture Extension Officers (AEO), representatives from the Tibetan Cooperative Societies, and the Chief Representative Officers of the South Zone, Shimla, Ladakh and Northeast Zone were in attendance. The chief guest was accompanied by Pema Delek, Chairman of the Federation of Tibetan Cooperatives in India (FTCI).

Before the formal proceedings began, Additional Secretary Tashi Dickey and Tsering Youdon from the Department of Home read out the ratified agendas of the conference. This was followed by concluding remarks from Home Secretary Palden Dhondup.

Addressing the gathering, former Kalon Dongchung Ngodup reflected on his long years of service within the Central Tibetan Administration and his experience working at the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi. He expressed deep gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his constant guidance and leadership. He commended the Tibetan Settlement Officers for their dedicated service and expressed his appreciation at seeing many young staff members among them.

Emphasising their role as the bridge between the CTA and the Tibetan public, he urged them to serve with commitment, sincerity, and a sense of responsibility—always guided by the gratitude owed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Chief Guest addressed the settlement officers for their significant responsibilities in both administrative and financial matters within their settlements and encouraged them to carry out their duties with integrity and diligence.

He also highlighted the important role of each one, stressing the need for financial responsibility, transparency, and collective effort. He concluded that while individuals may not be able to solve every problem, through collective effort, meaningful progress can be achieved.

A vote of thanks was delivered by Joint Secretary Tenzin Kunsang of the Department of Home, marking the formal conclusion of the 16th Administrative Conference of the Tibetan Settlement Officers.