Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, April 24: In a development addressing the longstanding concerns of Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh, senior representatives from the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) met with Himachal state officials to discuss the renewal of land leases and lease rents for both revenue and forest lands occupied by Tibetan settlements on April 23 in Shimla.
This high-level meeting marks a crucial follow-up to Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s recent visit to Shimla, where he engaged with state authorities on various issues affecting Tibetan communities. During his visit, Sikyong Tsering emphasised the challenges related to lease documentation and renewals and conveyed appreciation for the state’s continued support.
Present at the meeting from the Himachal Pradesh government were Shri Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh; Shri Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest); Shri Devesh Kumar, Principal Secretary (Urban Development); Shri Balwan Chand, Additional Secretary (Revenue); and other senior officials. Representing the Tibetan side were Palden Dhondup, Secretary of the CTA’s Department of Home; Tsewang Phuntsok, Chief Representative Officer (CRO) of Shimla; newly appointed CRO Lhakpa Tsering; and Deputy Secretary Ngodup Waser.
The discussions primarily focused on lease renewals and proposed lease rents for settlements situated on both revenue and forest lands. Secretary Palden Dhondup, speaking to Phayul, revealed that one of the key topics was the lease renewal of Dalhousie Phuntsokling settlement, which falls under urban development. The department had proposed a lease rent of ₹1.89 crore for a 10-year period. Another case discussed was the Sangye Choeling Tibetan residential area, with a proposed lease rent of around ₹40 lakh.
In response to these proposed rates, CTA representatives appealed for a reduction in the lease rents. Following extensive deliberations, Chief Secretary Saxena directed officials from the concerned departments to submit the relevant proposals and agreed to forward the cases to the state Cabinet.
The talks also extended to other Tibetan settlements across the state, including those in Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmour districts, where similar land and lease concerns persist.
The issue of land lease renewals has long been a source of uncertainty for Tibetan refugee communities residing in Himachal Pradesh. Over the years, several efforts have been undertaken to resolve these matters through sustained dialogue between the CTA and state authorities. This recent engagement signals a continued commitment from both sides to find a fair and sustainable solution for Tibetan refugee community.
One Response
I hope a happy agreement for all can be reached. I for one am grateful for the support Tibetans have had from India, may this continue into the future.