Arunachal adopts national policy for Tibetans

1,50,000 Tibetans living across 40 countries of the world. In a noble gesture for the Tibetans living in exile in India, the Arunachal Pradesh has also adopted the Tibetan Rehabilitation policy act. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand had already done the same in 2015 after the center government of India has formalized this act in 2014.

In a letter written to Lobsang Sangay, the president of Central Tibetan administration (CTA) which is the global headquarters for the 1,50,000 Tibetans living across 40 countries of the world, the Chief Minsiter of Arunachal Pradesh Peman Khandu has confirmed the move.

"I am happy to inform you that in the cabinet meeting convened by me on 12 August 2017, I along with my colleagues decided to adopt and extend the Tibetan rehabilitation policy 2014 in the state of Arunachal Pradesh," said Khandu in his letter.

He has further mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh has the fourth largest number of Tibetans in India. It has four Tibetan settlements Tezu, Miao, Tuting and Tenzingang, he said. "Therefore, in order to provide better opportunities to Tibetan youths residing in Arunachal Pradesh, my cabinet resolved to implement the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014 as framed by the union Government of India," he added.

Sangay has expressed thanks for consider the Tibetan residents in exile. "I thank my dear friend Shri Pema Khandu who is an ardent follower of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and lifelong friend of the Tibetan people. The state of Arunachal Pradesh shares an unshakeable and historic bond with the Tibetan people. This gesture will further strengthen this bond of friendship and affinity between the two," said Sangay.

Since the official announcement of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy Act by the Union government of India in 2014, several states including Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand have also formulated the policy as requested by Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Based on the Rehabilitation Policy Act, in the presence of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Mundgod and recently in Hunsur, both in the Indian state of Karnataka and two of the largest Tibetan settlements have officially signed land lease agreements ensuring the sustenance of the Tibetan settlements.

Rehabilitation policy deals with matters concerning land lease, extending Central and States benefits. The guideline states that Tibetans may be allowed to undertake any economic activity and to that extent, relevant papers/trade license/permit may be issued to them and also permit to take jobs in any field for which they are professionally qualified.

By
timesofindia.indiatimes.com