Dharamshala: The Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD) under the Department of Finance, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), organised a workshop on “Introduction and Orientation on the Institutional Development Index (IDI) and Data Management Programme” for senior leadership, bringing together Sikyong, Kalons, Secretaries, and senior officials. The workshop aimed to familiarise participants with the vision, objectives, and implementation roadmap of the IDI and Data Management Programme, which seeks to strengthen institutional governance through an integrated, secure, and evidence-based data management system across the CTA.
The workshop was convened in recognition of the growing need to strengthen institutional data governance systems within the CTA after more than six decades of service to the Tibetan people in exile. As the Administration’s responsibilities expand, the limitations of fragmented and siloed data systems have become increasingly evident, particularly in relation to accountability, evidence-based policymaking, and donor reporting. The IDI and Data Management Programme addresses these challenges by developing a secure, centralised, and integrated data system to enable efficient information sharing, improve decision-making, and enhance service delivery.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks by Tenzin Nyingpo, Programme Officer at the SARD, who introduced the objectives and significance of the project.
Finance Kalon Tsering Dhondup highlighted the importance of the Organisational Development, Digitalisation, and Data Management Project, and expressed appreciation to SARD (programme lead), the Tibetan Computer Resource Centre (technical partner), and Algoscale (delivery partner) for their collaboration.
He noted that administrative processes within the CTA have traditionally relied heavily on paper-based records and institutional memory, which has limited efficiency and data-driven decision-making. The project, he said, is intended to modernise these systems and strengthen organisational effectiveness through digital transformation. He further emphasised that successful implementation will require collective ownership across all departments and autonomous bodies of the CTA.
In his keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, as the event’s chief guest, noted that during the tenure of the 16th Kashag, the CTA formulated a long-term strategic vision paper titled Securing Tibet’s Future to guide the Administration’s work and priorities. He informed the gathering that the 17th Kashag intends to review the document in light of current circumstances and issue a revised version soon.
Sikyong emphasised that the CTA’s overarching mission remains steadfast: to advance the just cause of Tibet by promoting a clearer understanding of the Tibet cause internationally while safeguarding the welfare and aspirations of the Tibetan exile community. He further stressed that strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing the competence of the Administration’s officials and staff are essential to ensuring that both political initiatives and public welfare programmes are implemented efficiently, systematically, and in accordance with sound planning and governance principles.
During the orientation, participants were introduced to the Programme’s four key components: a comprehensive data audit and unified data governance framework; the development of a centralised bilingual database and executive dashboard; the establishment of standard operating procedures for data management; and a structured capacity-building programme to strengthen institutional knowledge and technical skills. Officials were also briefed on the Programme’s phased 24-month implementation plan, which includes close collaboration with the Tibetan Computer Resource Centre (SARD), independent quality assurance mechanisms, and a gradual transfer of full system ownership to the CTA.
The workshop further outlined the respective roles of the Sikyong, Kalons and Secretaries in ensuring the Programme’s successful implementation, including the designation of departmental Data Stewards and Data Officers, active participation in data governance, and continued oversight throughout the implementation process. The Programme is expected to benefit all CTA departments and offices by improving data integrity, eliminating duplication, strengthening institutional coordination, and providing the Kashag with real-time information to support timely and informed policy decisions.
The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation that the IDI and Data Management Programme represents one of the CTA’s most significant institutional modernisation initiatives. Through strengthened data governance, enhanced interdepartmental coordination and sustainable capacity building, the Programme aims to equip the CTA with a modern, secure and integrated information system capable of meeting the evolving needs of the Tibetan community and supporting effective governance for years to come.
To brief, introduce, and orient participants on the project, presentations were made by Thupten Rinzin (Senior Programme Manager, SARD), Tenzin Chokden (Director, TCRC), and Tanmay Agrawal (Client Manager, Algoscale).
