DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 24: Tibetan sweater sellers should follow legal regulations in sweater business to seek compensation in the case of mishaps, said Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, the home kalon of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) at the ongoing session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile yesterday.
He was speaking in response to MP Dolma Tsering’s question on how the home department views the increasing cases of fire ravaging markets and warehouses in recent years.
Topgyal said the 55-60% of Tibetans depend on sweater business for livelihood and seek loans from Ludhiana wholesalers without proper receipts, insurance or MoU with transport or warehouse owners.
He cited the recent fire incidences in Dhule – Maharashtra, Itanagar, and elsewhere, adding that all should try to avoid such incidence that will keep us begging for help.
A fire in the wee hours of September 1 ravaged a warehouse in Dhule-Maharashtra that incurred estimated damage of 2,651,9661 INR.
“We cannot employ the 16th and 17th-century system in the 21st century when rules and situation have changed.”
He said the administration is not sure of being able to continue offering help if such mishaps continue to happen.
Gyaltsen, the president of the Tibetan Refugees Trader’s Association (TRTA) told Phayul over the phone that it is indeed the situation, as Tibetans continue to take temporary receipts from the wholesaler and rely on mutual trust instead of binding legal agreement.
“We (TRTA), had a discussion about buying insurance, but we are understaffed and couldn’t reach an agreement as it has become a custom over time.”
He added that it is not the case with everyone as Tibetan traders in certain regions have insurance and most markets don’t keep their stuff in the warehouse.
“CTA, through its public announcement, continues to help us secure funds to make up for the loss.”
However, this time, CTA had informed the Tibetan traders to toe the legal line to avoid remaining vulnerable and that it cannot guarantee continued help.
