By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, March 29: The Tibetan Parliament in Exile has passed a resolution to extend the registration period for new Green Book (Tib. Chadrel Lakdep) by an additional six months until September 30, 2024, during the 10th day of the budget session on Thursday.
During the session yesterday, the Finance Department of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) announced that 6666 new Green Book registrations have been secured under the 90% exemption scheme. The scheme, which offers a 90% exemption on Green Book contributions, was unanimously passed during the last budget session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament in exile.
Initially set to conclude at the end of the fiscal year 2023-2024, i.e. 31st March; the registration period has now been extended by an additional six months, until September 30, 2024.
In April 2023, the Department of Finance issued a public announcement outlining the standardized US Dollar exchange rates applicable for Green Book contributions for the fiscal year 2022-2023. According to the announcement, the annual contributions varied based on age and employment status, with rates ranging from 12 US dollars for individuals aged 6 to 17 years to 96 US dollars for employed individuals above 18 years.
Despite Chadrel Lakdep (Green Book) contributions constituting less than 10% of the overall annual CTA budget, the system holds importance as the primary avenue for Tibetans to contribute voluntarily to the exile Tibetan government. Additionally, possessing a Green Book is a prerequisite for availing democratic rights such as voting for Tibetans in Exile.
