By Tenzin Dedan
DHARAMSHALA, Oct 13: The state government of Karnataka has shown its continued commitment to the welfare of the Tibetan community by approving a budgetary allocation of 3 crores rupees for the fiscal year 2023-2024. This decision represents a significant increase compared to the previous two fiscal years, during which 2 crores rupees were allocated each year, according to the Central Tibetan Administration run tibet.net.
3 crores rupees have been allocated for various aspects of development and well-being for Tibetans in the state. The funds will be channelled into initiatives such as education, social welfare, old people’s homes, cultural preservation, renovation of houses for destitute individuals, environmental protection, the mid-day meal scheme, tourism development, youth empowerment, and sports, as well as village development.
On October 7, 2023, a meeting was held with the Chief Representative Officer of the South Zone Jigmey Tsultrim at the Bengaluru-based office of the CTA. This meeting was presided over by the Principal Secretary of the state’s Revenue Department, Mr. Rajender Kumar Kataria. During the meeting, the immediate and long-term concerns of the Tibetan exile community were discussed, and the CTA Representatives at the five Tibetan settlements in Karnataka participated in the discussions.
Karnataka in South India is home to five Tibetan settlements, which include Lugsung Samdupling and Dickey Larsoe in Bylakuppe, Rabgayling in Hunsur, Doeguling in Mundgod, and Dhondenling in Kollegal. These settlements have received consistent support from the state government over the years, starting from the tenure of former Chief Minister S. Nijalingappa to the present day.
The CTA expressed its gratitude to the state government and the people of Karnataka for their generous financial assistance and called for continued support in the future. The Chief Representative Office of the South Zone also submitted relevant background information and objectives to the state’s Revenue Department, providing a comprehensive overview of the initiatives planned for the welfare of the Tibetan community in the state.
In 2019, the government of India reported a decline in the number of Tibetans living in India from 150,000 in 2011 to 85,000. According to the CTA’s 2019 census, the Tibetan population in India further decreased to 73,404. Of these, 21,922 reside in Karnataka, making it one of the significant Tibetan diaspora communities in the country. Other sizable Tibetan communities are located in states like Himachal Pradesh.
