Department of Finance

The Department of Finance is one of the major Departments under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Prior to the inception of the Finance Department, the responsibility of all the financial and budgetary activities was 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 the Department of Religious Affairs looked after the financial aspects of the CTA. On May 29, 1969, the Department of Finance was incepted with Late Kasur Tsewang Tamdin as the first Kalon and Lhundup Gyalpo as the first Secretary of the Department.

The main objective and role of the Department are to raise revenue for CTA to fulfil its mission and to prepare, execute and control its annual budget, issue a Green Book and management of voluntary contributions from Tibetans, various registered bodies and projects under the department.

The Finance Department started with an initial capital of Rs 72,983.79 and gradually strengthened its financial prospects with tremendous support from individual Tibetans, donations from International organizations, and engagement 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 Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Secretary Tsering Dhondup for overseeing the activities of the Department. The current staff strength of the Department is fifty-three.

Introduction Former Kalons & Secretaries Organisational Structure Contact Us

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

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

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 – 26 May 2021 )
Penpa Tsering (27 May 2021 –

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 – 2018)
Yeshi Wangmo (8 October 2018 – 30th June 2021)
Tenzin Legdup {Officiating} (1 July 2021 – 6 September 2023)
Tsering Dhondup (7 September 2023 to present)

There are five main divisions:

Administration
Revenue Division
Expenditure Division
Welfare/Fund Raising Division.
Project Division

ADMINISTRATION DIVISION:

This section looks after the administrative issues pertaining to Departmental and individual levels. It liaisons for intra and inter Departments of Central Tibetan Administration. It is the most important division, which is responsible for managing, planning and executing all the support services within Department. It also looks after the welfare of the staff, overall administration management, staff job allocation & description and CTA’s overall stationery management. Under the administration division, there are two sections directly managed and supervised by the administration. They are:

CTA Staff Mess:

CTA staff mess provides catering services to the CTA staff on subsidize rate; however, it provides only lunch facilities during office time. Currently, there are six staff including a staff mess manager who oversees day to day operations of the mess.

TAWS Gas:

TAWS Gas services were managed by the Department of Finance with the aim of providing gas cylinder and stove services to Tibetans and locals around Dharamsala. It is one of the registered bodies under the Indian gas distribution agency.

REVENUE DIVISION:

Within the revenue division, there are three sections which deal with generating CTA revenue for various projects. They are:

Chartel Section: (Also known as voluntary contribution)

To look after the present and future welfare of the Tibetan people, a firm and stable Administration is important. Therefore a mass movement to voluntarily 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 communities. 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 the allegiance of Tibetans to the Central Tibetan Administration as their legitimate Government and rejection of Chinese occupation.

Data Section:

Under the promulgation of the Central Tibetan Administration charter, every Tibetan above the age of six years has the right to possess the Green Book and this office firmly discharges 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. In recent years upgraded new green books have nine alphanumeric characters indicating the country code and the digital numbers with the latest technologies.

Green Book has been recognised by international governments for its authenticity and it is the duty of every individual to preserve this sanctity. We firmly request each and everyone to make sure of having a Green book by contributing your yearly contribution and possessing a valid Green book. Make sure to have nine digits alphanumeric Green book.

Blue Book:

The Blue Book, or the Tibetan Solidarity Partnership, was launched in 1996. The Blue Book seeks to reach out to the friends of Tibet around the world whose support is crucial to help resolve the issue of Tibet. Tibetans are engaged in a life-and-death struggle to preserve their culture and restore freedom in Tibet. This program enables friends of Tibet to make annual financial contributions to help support the various educational, cultural, developmental and humanitarian activities of the CTA. Any person, irrespective of their nationality, can apply for Blue Book. Your participation in this project and obtaining the Blue Book signifies your solidarity and support to help resolve the issue of Tibet.

BUDGET DIVISION

1. Budget Section

Central Tibetan Administration budgetary cycle follows one of the comprehensive and institutionalized procedures. This section holds 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 recommendations 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 Staff.

Vehicle Management:

All the CTA’s official vehicles were managed and maintained by the Department of Finance under the budget division. The annual maintenance, approvals and budgets for the vehicle were managed and supervised by the Department under this section.

WELFARE & FUND RAISING DIVISION:

Under the welfare and fundraising division, all the registered bodies of the Department come under this section which is responsible for overseeing their related projects keeping in view the objectives of the registration. They are:

A. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust (HHDLCT):

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 was always desirous of taking care of the needs of the Tibetan people and 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 has been actively engaged since its inception. It adhered to its main aims and objectives to uplift the most downtrodden, destitute and needy people in general and particularly the Tibetan refugee community. The trust supports numerous Socio-economic activities to fulfil the needs of the people by extending relief measures, health, education and preservation of the Environment.

Aims and Objectives:

– To provide aid for the 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 the advancement of any other public charitable or religious purpose.
– To establish, open, maintain and run schools, 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, and support public temples and religious institutions.
– To make donations or subscriptions to any society, institution, trust, or organisation, whether charitable or religious, for the advancement or promotion of objects as contemplated above.

Present Board of Trustees:

Penpa Tsering, Chairman
Jetsun Pema Trustee
Ven Geshe Lhakdor Trustee
Ven Geshe Ngawang Samten Trustee
Desang Tsering Trustee

B. Tibetan Administration`s Welfare Society:

Tibetan Administration`s Welfare Society (TAWS) is a non-profit organisation founded on 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:

Penpa Tsering, Chairperson
Tenzin Legdup, Member Secretary
Tsewang Dolma Shosur, Member
Palden Dhondup, Member
Jigmey Namgyal, Member
Chime Tseyang, Member
Namgyal Gendun, Member

C. 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 improves the livelihood of those Tibetans who desperately need help.

SARD works to raise funds for the Integrated Development Plan of CTA and individual projects of various departments of CTA. It seeks grants from International governments for the 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.

Under SARD, there is a separate sub-section called the Monitoring & Evaluation Section (M&E), which is responsible for overseeing the projects funded under SARD and providing necessary reports which would help the donors to understand the progress of the project. It provides an on-ground monitoring report and evaluates the necessary suggestions needed for each project.

Objectives:

– To assist the socio-economic rehabilitation of the Tibetans in exile with the goal of making 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 of these disappearing cultures 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:

Penpa Tsering, Chairman
Tenzin Legdup, Member Secretary
Chimey Rigzin Choekyapa, Member
Yeshi Wangmo, Member
Tenzin Norsang Member

5) PROJECT DIVISION:

Department of Finance also implements various projects which are directly beneficial for Tibetans, such as Entrepreneurship Development, Women Empowerment, Financing Services and opportunities for Voluntary services within CTA. They are:

Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development (TED):

TED is one of the initiatives of the Department of Finance, which provides end-to-end business development services to Tibetan entrepreneurs in India and Nepal. It also aims to build an enabling ecosystem for Tibetans. By linking Tibetans to global entrepreneurship trends and by accelerating their access to value-add networks and focused patient capital in a variety of sectors, TED aims to unleash the economic and social impact of Tibetan entrepreneurs on the Tibetan Diaspora’s sustainability. Through its focus on entrepreneurship education at schools and across the Tibetan settlements in India, TED will leverage the demonstrated capability and affinity of Tibetans to start new ventures to transform them into enterprises that are capable of competing with non-Tibetan start-ups and businesses and capture market share within Tibetan communities and outside alike. As the next generation of Tibetans come to the forefront in leadership positions within the exile community, it has become imperative for CTA to evolve and become competitive in its services. The development of Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development (TED) is recommended as one of the major avenues for pivoting paradigm-shifting and sustainable change.

Women Empowering Desk (WED):

In 2008 the Central Tibetan Administration adopted the first-ever Tibetan Women’s Empowerment policy with the objective of enabling Tibetan women and girls to participate as equal partners in all socio-economic and political activities. In 2017 the policy was revised and enhanced to better enable Tibetan women to fully participate and contribute to Tibetan society and the world. The Women’s empowerment desk of CTA was established to implement this policy and to achieve these goals. The main objective of the Women’s Empowerment Desk (WED) is to build a gender-just and inclusive Tibetan community. We work to ensure that all the CTA programs are gender inclusive, where women, men and others participate and benefit equally. Women’s Empowerment Desk has been associated with organising different programs and projects over the years. Some of the key initiatives include training and workshops on Gender sensitivity, women’s empowerment, women’s leadership, sexual and reproductive health, legal empowerment, and economic empowerment. They also did a Research and development study on the status of Tibetan women & girls and gender equity. It also aims to Strengthen CTA’s capacity to address key issues facing Tibetan women and girls.

Gang-Jong Development Finance Private Limited (GDF):

Gang-Jong Development Finance Private Limited was incorporated on 27th November 2017 as an unlisted company registered with the Registrar of Companies in the state of Himachal Pradesh (HP). The registered office of the company is located at Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, Kangra, HP 176215, India. The Company is registered with the Reserve Bank of India for carrying on business as a Non-Banking Finance Company (Non-Deposit Taking). Gang-Jong will aim to provide need-based and competitively priced loan products to micro and small enterprises, a community of small businessmen and entrepreneurs in hill stations and tourist areas by understanding their financial needs, and repaying capacity. Apart from providing loans, Gang-Jong will provide consulting, training and support services to the constituent clients.

Tibet Corps (Volunteer Services):

Tibet Corps is also one of the Department of Finance projects which offers Tibetan professionals, university students, and retirees an opportunity and platform to serve the Tibetan community through voluntary service. The program seeks to inspire Tibetans to strengthen the community, its institutions and the Central Tibetan Administration. The overall goal is to mobilize professionals, both active and retired and young leaders in the Tibetan refugee community and diaspora as a skilled voluntary workforce. It seeks to create a knowledgeable community that will support the development of a vibrant, resilient and stronger Tibetan movement, poised to serve Tibet and Tibetans for generations. Service opportunities are available with host institutions within the CTA campus in Dharamsala, clinics, schools and settlement offices located across India and Nepal, as well as with organisations affiliated with the CTA.

Mail:

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

Tel: +91-1892-223738 / 222487
Fax: +91-1892-222349
E-mail: [email protected]

Administration Division Revenue Division Expenditure Division Welfare/Fund Raising Division Project Division Technical Division

ADMINISTRATION DIVISION:

This section looks after the administrative issues pertaining to Departmental and individual levels. It liaisons for intra and inter Departments of Central Tibetan Administration. It is the most important division, which is responsible for managing, planning and executing all the support services within the Department. It also looks after the welfare of the staff, overall administration management, staff job allocation & description and CTA’s overall stationery management. Under the administration division, there are two sections directly managed and supervised by the administration. They are:

1. CTA Staff Mess:

CTA staff mess provides catering services to the CTA staff at a subsidised rate; however, it provides only lunch facilities during office time. Currently, there are six staff including a staff mess manager who oversees day to day operations of the mess.

2. TAWS Gas:

REVENUE DIVISION:

Within the revenue division, there are three sections which deal with generating CTA revenue for various projects. They are:

1. Chartel Section: (Also known as voluntary contribution)

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

2. Data Section:

Under the promulgation of the Central Tibetan Administration charter, every Tibetan above the age of six years has the right to possess a Green Book and this office firmly discharges 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. In recent years upgraded new green books have nine 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 possessing a valid Green book. Make sure to have a 9-digit alphanumeric Green book.

3. Blue Book:

The Blue Book, or the Tibetan Solidarity Partnership, was launched in 1996. The Blue Book seeks to reach out to the friends of Tibet around the world whose support is crucial to help resolve the issue of Tibet. Tibetans are engaged in a life-and-death struggle to preserve their culture and restore freedom in Tibet. This program enables friends of Tibet to make annual financial contributions to help support the various educational, cultural, developmental and humanitarian activities of the CTA. Any person, irrespective of their nationality, can apply for the Blue Book. Your participation in this project and obtaining the Blue Book signifies your solidarity and support to help resolve the issue of Tibet.

BUDGET DIVISION

1. Budget Section:

The Central Tibetan Administration budgetary cycle follows one of the comprehensive and institutionalized procedures. This section holds 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:

3. Vehicle Management:

WELFARE & FUND RAISING DIVISION:

A. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust (HHDLCT):

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 the 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.

Aims and Objectives:

– To provide aid for the 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 the advancement of any other public charitable or religious purpose.
– To establish, open, maintain and run schools, 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, and support public temples and religious institutions.
– To make donations or subscriptions to any society, institution, trust, or organisation, whether charitable or religious, for the advancement or promotion of objects as contemplated above.

Present Board of Trustees:

Penpa Tsering, Chairman
Jetsun Pema Trustee
Ven Geshe Lhakdor Trustee
Ven Geshe Ngawang Samten Trustee
Desang Tsering Trustee

B. Tibetan Administration`s Welfare Society:

Tibetan Administration`s Welfare Society (TAWS) is a non-profit organization founded on 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 conditions 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:

Penpa Tsering, Chairperson
Tenzin Legdup, Member Secretary
Tsewang Dolma Shosur, Member
Palden Dhondup, Member
Jigmey Namgyal, Member
Chime Tseyang, Member
Namgyal Gendun, Member

C. SOCIAL AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FUND.

Objectives:

– To assist the socio-economic rehabilitation of the Tibetans in exile with the goal of making 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 of these disappearing cultures 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:

Penpa Tsering, Chairman
Tenzin Legdup, Member Secretary
Chimey Rigzin Choekyapa, Member
Yeshi Wangmo, Member
Tenzin Norsang Member

PROJECT DIVISION:

The Department of Finance also implements various projects which are directly beneficial for the Tibetans, such as Women Empowerment and Financing Services. They are:

1. Women Empowering Desk (WED):

In 2008 the Central Tibetan Administration adopted the first-ever Tibetan Women’s Empowerment policy with the objective of enabling Tibetan women and girls to participate as equal partners in all socio-economic and political activities. In 2017 the policy was revised and enhanced to better enable Tibetan women to fully participate and contribute to Tibetan society and the world. The Women’s empowerment desk of CTA was established to implement this policy and to achieve these goals. The main objective of the Women’s Empowerment Desk (WED) is to build a gender-just and inclusive Tibetan community. We work to ensure that all the CTA programs are gender inclusive, where women, men and others participate and benefit equally. Women’s Empowerment Desk has been associated with organising different programs and projects over the years. Some of the key initiatives include training and workshops on Gender sensitivity, women’s empowerment, women’s leadership, sexual and reproductive health, legal empowerment, and economic empowerment. They also did Research and development studies on the status of Tibetan women & girls and gender equity. It also aims to Strengthen CTA’s capacity to address key issues facing Tibetan women and girls.

2. Gang-Jong Development Finance Private Limited (GDF):

Gang-Jong Development Finance Private Limited was incorporated on 27th November 2017 as an unlisted company registered with the Registrar of Companies in the state of Himachal Pradesh (HP). The registered office of the company is located at Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, Kangra, HP 176215, India. The Company is registered with the Reserve Bank of India for carrying on business as a Non-Banking Finance Company (Non-Deposit Taking). Gang-Jong will aim to provide need-based and competitively priced loan products to micro and small enterprises, communities of small businessmen and entrepreneurs in hill stations and tourist areas by understanding their financial needs and repaying capacity. Apart from providing loans, Gang-Jong will provide consulting, training and support services to the constituent clients.

1. Tibetan Computer Resource Centre (TCRC):

Tibetan Computer Resource Center (TCRC) functions as the IT department of CTA with its missions to create a virtual Tibetan community, promote effective use of IT tools in achieving CTA’s vision and mission and empower citizens through e-Governance and enhancing efficiency through digital services and ensuring CTA’s communications and data security.TCRC, initially founded as Common Publishing Center, is now functioning as an IT department of CTA. In the year 1993 first email service was introduced in our Tibetan community and with the building of the Local Area Network (LAN) in 1997, CTA offices were able to use email from their respective desktops. Information Technology has evolved over the years and so do the TCRC’s roles and responsibilities, from common publishing centres to supporting computer hardware, giving basic computer skills training and the development of websites and web applications, malware analysis and providing secure communication systems and securing the data. It also provides a platform for young Tibetan computer graduates to give back to their own community with their skill set.

Kalon’s Message

After the brutal occupation of Tibet by the People’s Republic of China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama followed by thousands of Tibetans, escaped to India for refuge with the mission to restore freedom in Tibet. Soon after arriving in exile, the Central Tibetan Administration was established to fulfil its mission, and the financial activities of the administration were entrusted initially to various committees. However, to create a centralized institution to look after the financial needs of the administration, the Department of Finance was instituted formally on 29 May 1960. Since then, many economic and income generation programs have been undertaken to meet the financial needs of the Administration and Tibetan refugees. Amongst the many programs initiated, Chatrel (voluntary) contributions by every Tibetan have been one of the longest-standing programs and today, it has become one of the main financial resources 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 and strategic thinking of all those who have worked with this department in various capacities since its inception.

My colleagues in the department and I 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 the growing population of Tibetan refugees at large. In order to fulfil these responsibilities and overcome the challenges, more initiatives need 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, enhancing micro-enterprises amongst the youth in the settlements, exploring the 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. We believe that with your support, the department will continue to harvest profitable partnerships with both individuals and institutions to further elevate the progress that it has made in the last six decades.

Kalon, Department of Finance