Green Book (Chatrel)
Tibetans contributing Chatrel are issued a Green Book. Over the years, this book has become the passport of the exiled Tibetans to claim their rights under CTA. When Tibet gains independence, the Green Book will be a means to claim Tibetan citizenship. Today, it is used for school admission, scholarship and employment within the exiled community. Payment of this voluntary contribution is a condition to gain voting rights in parliamentary elections.
Chatrel Background
The governing members of the Tibetan Freedom Movement convened its preliminary General Assembly in Dharamsala on July 30, 1972. One of the landmark decisions was the tabling and passage of a resolution pertaining to the procedures for payment of Chatrel, a monthly voluntary contribution to the Central Tibetan Administration by all Tibetans.
It was resolved during the meeting that to look after the present and future welfare of the Tibetan people, a firm and stable government was a necessity, and that would only be possible if a regular source of finance could be arranged. Therefore, meeting delegates resolved that, beginning from August 1, 1972, every Tibetan above the age of six would be required to make an annual contribution in the form of Chatrel, as per rate stipulated. Those who are employed are required to pay additional chatrel based on a certain percentage of their monthly salary. Meeting delegates also viewed the payment of annual Chatrel as signifying the recognition of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of all Tibetans.
On the basis of the resolution passed in the July 30, 1972 meeting of the Tibetan Freedom Movement, the 11th Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputy formally adopted a law on the Chatrel in its April 1, 1992 meeting. The payment of Chatrel is the responsibility of all Tibetans as enshrined in article 13 of the Charter of the Tibetans in exile.
Goals and Needs
The existence of Chatrel symbolizes the Tibetan people’s recognition of CTA as the legitimate representative of all Tibetans. Chatrel payment exhibits Tibetan people’s support for CTA’s financial needs until Tibet regains freedom. Chatrel fund is an important source of revenue for CTA, and it goes towards supporting various projects and activities that benefit the exiled Tibetan community.
Current Chatrel Rates:
