Department of Finance

Department of Finance is one of the major Departments under Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Prior to the inception of Finance Department, the responsibility of all the financial and budgetary activities were shouldered by Gadrang Lobsang Rigzin, Kalon for Security Department till 1966.  Subsequently, a collective Finance Committee consisting of five members headed by Woeser Gyaltsen, Kalon for Department of Religious Affairs looked after the financial aspects of the CTA.   On May 29, 1969, Department of Finance was incepted with Late Kasur Tsewang Tamdin as first Kalon and Mr. Lhundup Gyalpo as first Secretary of the Department.

The main objective and role of the Department is to raise revenue for CTA to fulfill its mission and to prepare, execute and control its annual budget.

The Finance Department started with initial capital of Rs 72,983.79 and gradually strengthened its financial prospects with tremendous support from individual Tibetans, donations from International organizations, and engaging in various trade and commerce activities by the department.

In 2001, 12th Kashag changed the existing financial policy and all business establishments run by the Department were privatized.

Currently the Department of finance is headed by Honorable Kalon Mr. Tsering Dhundup and Acting executive secretary Mr. Dawa Dorjee for overseeing the activities of the Department. There are three divisions, headed by an Additional Secretary and two Joint Secretaries.  The current staff strength of the Department is thirty three.

Former Kalons

• Tsewang Tamdin Jeshong (December 19, 1973 – March 15, 1983)
• Lobsang Dhargyal (March 16, 1983 – May 30, 1990)
• Kelsang Yeshi (June 01, 1990 – July 01, 1991)
• Tenzin Namgyal Tethong (August 09, 1991 – August 30, 1994)
• Dawa Tsering (September 01, 1994 – May 30, 1996)
• Soepa Gyatso (June 01, 1996 – September 04, 2001)
• Lobsang Nyandak Zayul (September 20, 2001 – August 14, 2006)
• Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche [Kalon Tripa] (August 15, 2006 – October 04, 2007)
• Tsering Dhundup (October 05, 2007 – August 07, 2011)
• Tsering Dhundup (September 16, 2011 – 31 May 2016)
  
• Karma Yeshi ( 1 June 2016 – Present )

Former Secretaries

• Lhundup Gyalpo (June 02, 1969 – December 05, 1972)
• Nyima Sangpo Taksim (December 06, 1972 – February 05, 1975)
• Gedhun Gelek (April 01, 1975 – February 20, 1980)
• Lobsang Dhargyal (May 01, 1980 – March 10, 1983)
• Dawa Tsering (March 21, 1983 – September 24, 1991)
• Tsering Tashi (September 25, 1991 – June 30, 1994)
• Tashi Phuntsok (July 01, 1994 – January 20, 1998)
• Namgyal Lhamo Taklha (May 07, 1997 – January 20, 1998)
• Thupten Tashi Anyetsang (January 21, 1998 – April 09, 2002)
• Tsering Dorjee Deshar (April 11, 2002 – October 26, 2003)
• Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang (October 27, 2003 – February 28, 2010)
• Dawa Dorjee {Officiating} (March 01, 2010 – May 2012)
• Trinlay Gyatso (May 2012 – present)

There are four main divisions

1. Revenue Division
2. Expenditure Division
3. Welfare/Fund Raising Division.

4. The office of Planning Commission

Within Revenue Division, there are three units – Chatrel, Data and Administration; Expenditure Division – Budget and Expenditure; Welfare/Fund Raising Division – Trust/TAWS and External Grants, Social and Resource Development Unit.

Mail:

Secretary
Department of Finance,
Central Tibetan Administration,
Dharamshala – 176215 
 H.P., India

Tel: +91-1892-223738 / 222487
Fax: +91-1892-222349
E-mail: finance@tibet.net

1. Budget Section:

Central Tibetan Administration budgetary cycle follows one of the comprehensive and institutionalized procedures.  This section hold a vital role in the CTA`s budgetary cycle including planning, coordination and supervision.  It monitors the expenditure flow from the allocated budget of each Department and maintains its overall account.  It is also responsible for monitoring the fiscal position of the CTA and it regulates the flow of revenue to the Administration.

2. Expenditure Section:

It monitors the compliance of the expenditures of the departments with the budget allocation and Central Tibetan Administration policies.  It determines the salary structures of CTA employees and it also offers recommendation on additional dearness allowance from time to time to the administration.  It is also responsible for the determination and disbursement of retirement benefits to the retired CTA Staffs.

1. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust is the first registered body under Indian Trust Act on January 20, 1964 at Calcutta whose registration was later in 1978, shifted to New Delhi.  During the critical juncture of the Tibetan arriving in exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama always desirous of taking care of needs of the Tibetan people registered his Trust to meet the relief of the poor, education, medical aid and advancement of other objects of general public utility including religious purpose.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust is actively engaged since its inception.  It adhered to main aims and objectives to uplift the most down trodden, destitute and needy people in general and particularly Tibetan refugee community. Trust supports numerous Socio-economic activities to fulfill the needs of the people by extending relief measures, health, education and preservation of Environment.

Aims and Objectives:

• – To provide aid for propagation and advancement of education and learning.
• – To provide medical aid relief.
• – To provide relief to the poor, destitute and homeless.
• – To provide aid for advancement of any other public charitable or religious purpose.
• – To establish, open, maintain and run school, colleges, institutions and boarding houses and houses of residence of pupils and teachers,
• – To establish, open, maintain and run hospitals, dispensaries, clinics and houses of residence for staff, run sanatoria housing for the poor, support public temples and religious institutions.
• – To make donation or subscriptions to any society, institutions, trust,or organization whether charitable or religious for advancement or promotion of objects as contemplated above.

Present Board of Trustees:

1. Dr. Lobsang Sangay Chairman
2. Mr. Tsering Dhundup Managing Trustees
3. Mrs. Jetsun Pema Trustees
4. Prof. Krishnanath Trustees
5. Mr. A.P. Venkateshwaran Trustees
6. Mr. Desang Tsering Trustees

2. Tibetan Administration`s Welfare Society:

Tibetan Administration`s Welfare Society (TAWS) is a non-profit organization founded in February 22, 1988 and registered under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860 in Delhi. The basic aim and objective of the society is to promote the overall development of the Tibetan refugees living in India.

Aims & Objectives:

• – Enhance the living condition of Tibetan refugees in India.
• – Enhance religious harmony and understanding.
• – Create employment and facilitate self-reliance of Tibetan refugees.
• – Promote traditional Tibetan medicines and handicrafts.
• – Assist victims of natural calamities and other disasters.
• – Work with charitable and voluntary agencies on projects and programs contributing to the social development of Tibetan refugees in India.
• – Make financial contributions toward the promotion of education, health, culture, rehabilitation, and public information for the benefit of   the Tibetan refugees in India.

Current Governing Body members:

1. Dr. Lobsang Sangay Chairman
2. Mr, Tsering Dhundup Vice-Chairman
3. Mr. Migyur Dorjee Member
4. Ven.Karma Gelek Member
5. Mr. Thupten Samphel Member
6. Mr. Tenzin Phuntsok Member
7. Dr. Kunchok Tsundue Member
8. Mr, Tsering Dhamchoe Member
9. Mr. Dawa Dorjee Member Secretary

3.  SOCIAL AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FUND.

The Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD) was established in October 1997 and registered under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860 in Dharamsala. It supports ongoing developments of the Tibetan community and to improve the livelihood of those Tibetans who desperately need help.

SARD works to raise fund for the Integrated Development Plan of CTA and individual projects of various departments of CTA. It seeks grants from International governments for sustainable development of the community. It coordinates between the donor agencies and implementing agencies with project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective implementation and sustained benefits from the project interventions.

Objectives:

• – To assist the socio-economic rehabilitation of the Tibetans in exile with goal to make them self-sufficient.
• – To support education, health and environmental awareness and employment programs in the community.
• – To help preserve and promote Tibetan religion, culture, arts and crafts, and to make the world aware about these disappearing culture and the importance of their preservation.
• – To generate income for the Emergency fund that provides support to the poorest in the    community.
• – To support the development of democracy and democratic culture in the Tibetan Community, which looks forward to a Tibet where everyone will live in harmony with each other and with the natural environment.

Current Governing body members:

1. Dr. Lobsang Sangay Chairman
2. Mr. Tsering Dhundup Vice-Chairman
3. Mr. Dawa Dorjee Member Secretary
4. Mr. Chimey Rigzin Member
5. Dr. Kunchok Tsundue Member
6. Mr. Wangdu Tsering Pesur Member
7. Miss Bhuti Member

4.  BLUE BOOK UNIT.

To alliance the International affinity and support towards the cause of Tibet and help preserve rich Tibetan culture and Tradition, the Blue Book project was started in 1996. The individual or organizational foreign friends of Tibet voluntarily contribute monetary value to help enhance the mission and activities of CTA.

The department will endeavor to strengthen the project to contribute International communities’ good will towards the Tibetan cause.

5) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:

The main objective of the R&D is to carry out researches on existing financial activities of the Department and Tibetan refugee community and provide recommendations and guidance for improved activities.

Activities:

• – To research on existing roles and develop strategy for improved and effective deliverance of services by the different sections of the Department.

• – To research on existing business activities and micro enterprises in the settlements and provide recommendation of projects to enhance economic activities etc

• – To provide consultancy and technical assistance for individual Tibetans for business planning, business process and opportunities available vis-á-vis resource available in the settlements.

A team of three qualified staff having educational background with MBA or Master in International Development with specialization in rural planning is needed. Currently the section remains dormant due to lack of professional human resource in the Department.

A.   VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTION/CHATREL UNIT:

To look after the present and future welfare of Tibetan people, a firm and stable Administration is a important, therefore a mass movement to voluntary contribute to CTA was started in early 1972. A group of devoted Tibetans at Sarnath, Varanasi spearheaded the movement and on July 30, 1972, a unanimous resolution to form Tibetan Freedom Movement and contribute to CTA was passed. As on August 1, 1972, the voluntary contribution by all the Tibetans spread across all pockets of Tibetan refugees’ settlements and community. Subsequently on the basis of the resolution, the 11th Assembly of Tibetan People`s Deputy adopted a bill to contribute voluntary contribution (Chatrel) on a regular basis and tariff.

By contributing voluntary contribution to CTA, it signifies allegiance of Tibetans to Central Tibetan Administration as their legitimate Government and rejection of Chinese occupation.

B.  DATA UNIT.

Under the promulgation of  Central Tibetan Administration charter, every Tibetan above the age of six years has right to possess Green book and this office firmly discharge its main task to issue Green Book to each and every individual Tibetan legitimate claim of being the subject under the Central Tibetan Administration. This office meticulously manages a comprehensive database of green book holders so as to accurately verify the identity of any Tibetan refugee and also to eliminate any data redundancy. Recent year upgrade new green book having 9 alphanumeric characters indicating the country code and the digital numbers with the latest technologies.

Green book has been recognized by international governments for its authenticity and it is the duty of every individual to preserve this sanctity. We firmly request each and every one to make sure of having a Green book by contributing your yearly contribution and possess valid Green book.  Make sure to have 9 digit alphanumeric Green book.

C.   ADMINISTRATION SECTION:

This section looks after the administrative issues pertaining to Departmental and individual level.  It liaisons for intra and inter Departments of Central Tibetan Administration.  All the Human Resources issues of Department are taken care by this section.

The office of Planning Commission

This sub-section of the Cabinet Secretariat was established in order to assist the Central Tibetan Administration in formulating the plans of various Departments. It helps in integrating various plans according to human, physical and economic resource development needs in Tibetan community. Although it has a separate office complex with its own staff, but the accounts and administration is directly handled by the Cabinet Secretariat.

After the brutal occupation of Tibet by People’s Republic of China, His Holiness followed by thousands of Tibetans escape to India for refuge with the mission to restore freedom in Tibet. Soon after arriving in exile, Central Tibetan Administration was established to fulfill its mission and the financial activities of the Administration was entrusted initially to various committees. On May 29, 1960 the Department of Finance was instituted primarily to look after the financial needs of the administration. Since then many economic and income generation programs were undertaken to meet the financial needs of the Administration and Tibetan refugees.  Amongst the many programs initiated, Chatrel (voluntary) contribution by every Tibetans have been one of the longest standing program and today it has become one of the main resource for the administration.If we look back to assess the achievements, we have been successful in achieving the broad purpose for which this department was instituted. These achievements were possible due to the relentless efforts of all those who have worked with this department in various capacities since its inception. I and my colleagues in the department are always grateful to all of them and our supporters and well wishers for their contributions.There are many challenges before us due to the growing responsibilities of the Administration and growing population of the Tibetan refugees at large. In order to fulfill these responsibilities and overcome the challenges, more initiatives need has to be taken. Some of the important initiatives that we plan to take in the coming days are; widening the Solidarity Alliance (Blue Book) contribution program, fund mobilization for important developmental and welfare activities, enhance micro-enterprises amongst the youth in the settlements, explore possible establishment of a community lending for professional studies and micro-entrepreneurial developments.We urge all our supporters and friends to extend their valuable support to overcome these challenges.

Karma yeshi
Kalon Finance Department

June 2016