Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 4: As part of the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation’s project to develop Dharamshala as a smart city, seven Tibetan road side vendors have been allocated permanent shops near the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeod Ganj last week.
Speaking to Phayul, Dharamshala’s Settlement Officer Konchok Migmar said, “Although the municipal office’s shop construction project began about two years ago, due to legal complications, only 21 shops could be constructed so far. Among these, seven Tibetans received permanent shops; the rest were given to local Indians. While they had tried to secure shops for nine Tibetans, two were unable to obtain them due to documentation issues.”
He added, “If similar opportunities arise in the future, the Settlement Office will work to ensure such facilities are available to all Tibetans, and mentioned there are plans to construct a separate marketplace specifically for Tibetans.”
The new shops occupy an area that formerly housed temporary shops, including nine Tibetan-run makeshift shops, which were demolished by the Municipal Corporation of Dharamshala two years ago for the construction of permanent structures.
Dharamshala which is considered the capital of the exile Tibetan setup hosts a sizable Tibetan population. The town is home to Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Laureate His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan government in exile), and various Tibetan NGOs. This setting supports a vibrant Tibetan business community, with numerous Tibetan run cafes, hotels, restaurants, and street vendors operating throughout the area. The town’s economy benefits from these Tibetan microbusinesses, which contribute across a range of commercial activities.
Currently, 43 temporary Tibetan vendors operate near the Tsuglagkhang temple, and approximately 114 Tibetan street vendors work across Dharamshala. These shops serve as a primary income source for many Tibetan refugees. The allocation of permanent shops marks a first for Tibetan vendors.
The inauguration ceremony for the “Model Vending Zone” shops was attended by Dharamshala Municipal Commissioner Mr. Zaffar Iqbal, the Municipal President, several municipal office officials, McLeod Ganj Tibetan Settlement Officer Konchok Migmar, market committee chairperson and executive members, the seven shop recipients, and some Nepalese representatives. During the event, chief guest Mr. Zaffar Iqbal said that the Municipal Corporation will consider and implement various ways to provide support and assistance to Tibetans in the future.
