Dharamshala: The Department of Home, CTA is conducting a three-day training for enumerators of the Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh at the Administrative Training & Welfare Society Centre from 17-19 February 2024.

The inaugural ceremony was presided by Additional Secretary Jampa Phuntsok and Joint Secretary Tashi Dickey of the Department of Home, trainers Dr Akshaya Patro and Saikat Ghosh from Sambodhi.

Also in attendance were Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer Kunchok Migmar, Kunga Soepa from the Social and Resource Development Fund and Tibet Fund staff Choekyi.

Additional Secretary Jampa Phuntsok explained the significance of conducting the household listing survey, which aims to shape effective programs for the community’s welfare through the collection of essential data on the socio-economic status, health, education, and religious practices of the Tibetans.

He spoke about the necessity for the survey, especially to keep track of the rapid changes in society owing to migration and other factors. Reminding the gathering of the great leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who steered the exile Tibetan population through the initial hardships faced upon arrival into exile, he appealed every individual to take part in this project.

While noting the challenges of conducting a survey on this scale, he advised the enumerators to be undeterred from fulfilling the task and be patient with the respondents during the collection of responses. He concluded by expressing hope for the success of the training and urged the participants to utilise the opportunity well for their personal development as well.

An 8-minute virtual address of Home Secretary Palden Dhondup was screened during the ceremony.

Before the ceremony concluded, Joint Secretary Tashi Dickey delivered the vote of thanks.

A total of 42 participants attended the training funded by USAID and Tibet Fund.

This survey is conducted in collaboration with Sambodhi Research and Communications Pvt. Ltd.