Indian Government Formalises the new Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy

By Tsering Wangdue / October 24, 2014;

Dolma Gyari with Mr KK Pathak, Under Secretary Mr SK Parida and Home Secretary Mr Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang
Photo: Tibet.net

A new policy guideline for the welfare and rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees in India has been formalised by the Government of India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. The Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014 was formally handed over to the Home Kalon Gyari Dolma of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) by Mr KK Pathak, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home affairs.

The policy was the result of extensive liaison between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, concerned State Governments and representatives of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The Tibetan Rehabilitation policy makes clear the entitlements of Tibetans relating to their welfare in India. The guidelines include the extension of land lease agreements, and the benefits available to the Tibetans under central and state government welfare schemes. The policy also grants Tibetans the right to undertake economic activity and pursue any job for which they are professionally qualified; these can include nursing, engineering, accounting, medicine, etc.

“Now we Tibetans can start our own franchises and enterprises as we are entitled to get a trade license and permits under the guidelines of Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014” said a CTA spokesperson.

A copy of the policy guidelines will be send to all concerned state governments, and Tibetan Settlement Officers, to demonstrate the Indian Government’s concern and commitment to set a uniform policy in all states in dealing with the rehabilitation and welfare of Tibetan refugees.

The Home Kalon Gyari Dolma of the CTA thanked the Indian Government Ministry of Home Affairs and Joint secretary for the clear and positive policy guidelines.

There are over 100,000 Tibetans living in India and for the first time the Indian Election Commission allowed India-born Tibetans to participate in the general election this year, and has given them the right to apply for an Indian passport. Now with this new Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014 Tibetans have seen positive changes in the Indian Government’s policy towards Tibetan refugees.