The Central Tibetan Relief Committee (CTRC) has gained increased attention due to the Indian Union government’s recent decision to extend a grant scheme worth Rs.40 crore for an additional five years, through fiscal year 2025-26. The CTRC was established to coordinate rehabilitation and settlement efforts for Tibetan refugees. Its roots can be traced back to 2015, with significant contributions from individuals, voluntary agencies, and the Indian Government.
Central Tibetan Relief Committee (CTRC)
The CTRC plays a crucial role in meeting the administrative expenses of Settlement Offices and in managing social welfare initiatives for Tibetan refugees. These refugees are spread across 12 States/UTs in India. The committee includes representatives from each of the 53 Tibetan settlements in India, Nepal and Bhutan. It’s primary objective is preserving Tibet’s cultural and religious heritage while fostering and maintaining sustainable, democratic communities in exile. Funding for the CTRC activities comes from generous international assistance, with major support from countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan and various philanthropic organisations and individuals. The Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE) provides approval for all CTRC activities.
Exodus of Tibetan Refugees
Understanding the CTRC requires diving into the history of the Tibetan refugees. From 1912 to 1949, Chinese government had no control over what is current China’s Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Tibetans primarily governed themselves during this period. However, after the People’s Liberation Army occupied TAR in 1950, Tibet came under Chinese rule, which has been described by many as “a cultural genocide”. The unsuccessful Tibetan Uprising in 1959 resulted in the 14th Dalai Lama seeking refuge in India along with numerous followers.
India’s Role in Tibetan Refugee Rehabilitation
On 29 April 1959, the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan exile administration, known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), in the north Indian hill station of Mussoorie. The CTA was moved to Dharamsala in May 1960 and is considered the continuation of the government of independent Tibet.
Tibet Policy of India
Tibet, not China, was India’s neighbour for centuries. In 1914, Tibetan representatives along with the Chinese signed the Simla convention with British India, delineating boundaries. However, China repudiated the convention and the McMahon line that divided the two countries after fully acceding Tibet in 1950. In 1959, following the Tibetan uprising, India sheltered the Dalai Lama and other refugees, helping establish the Tibetan government in exile.
Shift in India’s Tibet Policy
Since the tensions between India and China have escalated, a shift has been observed in the Indian Government’s Tibet policy. The Indian administration has shown increasing engagement with the Dalai Lama in public forums, a clear departure from its previous stand of treating the Dalai Lama purely as a spiritual leader and refraining from any political involvement.
