US officially ends aid to Tibetans following policy review: CTA President

Tenzin Nyidon 

DHARAMSHALA, March 4: The President of the exile Tibetan government known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Penpa Tsering, confirmed on March 1 that the United States has formally discontinued all aid funding for Tibetans following a policy review.

Addressing a public gathering at the Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement on the second day of Losar (Tibetan New Year), President Tsering disclosed that the U.S. government had officially notified the CTA of the funding cut on March 27. He acknowledged the decision and its potential impact on the Tibetan exile community, emphasizing that the cessation of funds could lead to delays or suspensions in several key programs, including welfare initiatives, educational scholarships, and socio-economic development projects.

“This discontinuation presents unforeseen challenges— something that no one had anticipated. It will be difficult to respond swiftly and secure alternative support,” he stated. However, he urged the community to remain resilient, assuring that efforts to restore the aid were ongoing.

President Tsering further elaborated that the U.S. government has historically supported Tibetan initiatives and the CTA through multiple channels. The aid suspension will disrupt several key programs, including the $7 million allocated via Tibet Fund for Tibetan refugee and diaspora community development and education, the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), funding of $2 million for healthcare initiatives in India and Nepal, and the CTA’s five-year developmental program, now in its fourth year, which had been receiving an annual grant of $3 million, totalling $15 million. Additionally, the suspension will affect the Department of Religion and Culture three-year Tibetan Digital Library project and the $10 million Inside Tibet program, funded through USAID, which operates independently of CTA oversight.

He also noted that the US had enacted broad funding cuts to multiple countries worldwide, including $14 million earmarked for education, healthcare, and social welfare programs benefiting the Tibetan refugee community.

The executive head reaffirmed his commitment to lobbying for the restoration of financial assistance. However, should these efforts prove unsuccessful, he outlined alternative solutions. He recalled that when the initial executive order suspending the funds was issued, the Tibetan diaspora had voiced concerns over the potential hardships this would create for the administration. At the time, some members of the diaspora had proposed making voluntary contributions to offset the shortfall, but he advised them to wait until the final decision was confirmed.

President Tsering announced that he will convene a cabinet meeting on March 6 to discuss alternative strategies. He has already directed the Department of Finance to prepare for a worst-case scenario and evaluate the possible repercussions for the Tibetan exile community. Furthermore, he indicated that a review of the budget plan would be undertaken ahead of the upcoming budget session, set to commence on March 17.

Historically, the US government has provided substantial financial assistance to Tibetan communities in exile to support education, cultural preservation, and humanitarian initiatives through various channels, including the State Department, USAID, and congressional appropriations, as well as through non-governmental organizations like the Tibet Fund.

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) spearheaded the massive slash in foreign aid, impacting numerous countries worldwide, including Tibetan programs. While the funding for Tibetans are relatively smaller compared to those affecting other nations, the exile Tibetan administration has, nonetheless been significantly affected by this policy shift.

Following the announcement of the aid termination, President Tsering told Radio Free Asia that the U.S. government has reaffirmed its commitment to the broader Tibet issue. While confirming the official cessation of funding, he noted that the State Department’s PRM allocation might continue. He also indicated that ongoing efforts are being made to sustain funding for certain programs, as specific policy considerations may allow for the continuation of select aid initiatives.

Despite multiple inquiries by Phayul, CTA officials declined to comment, citing directives from the executive instructing them not to discuss the matter with media houses.