The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), also known as the Tibetan Government in Exile, claims to represent the government of Tibet from its headquarters in Dharamsala, India. No nation recognizes the CTA as a formal government, and it continues to negotiate with China to achieve a semi-autonomous status. In addition to its political work, the CTA also provides a number of services for Tibetans throughout the world. Though it was once associated with the Tibetan independence movement, the two now have different aims.
Reason for Exile
The Tibetan Government in Exile formed after China occupied Tibet in 1951 and annexed it into the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Tibet had declared independence in 1912, and although its independence was not formally recognized by many countries, it had operated autonomously for almost four decades. Before 1912, China had controlled the area pretty much continuously since the early 1700s, which was the basis for its annexation. The leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, left after widespread rioting in 1959, and went to India, where he formed the CTA.
Aims and Actions
The primary aim of the CTA is to see Tibet gain autonomy in its administrative affairs. It does not want to rule Tibet itself; but rather, wants to see a Tibetan-appointed government in the region instead of a Chinese-appointed one. It also hopes to keep Tibetan culture alive, which it does by hosting cultural and religious events and creating schools for Tibetans living outside of the area.
In addition to this, the organization also hosts conferences and events to focus the world’s attention on the issue of Tibetan governmental autonomy, preserving the area’s natural environment, and helping Tibet develop. The Dalai Lama has traveled all over the world both as a religious leader and as the leader of the Tibetan Government in Exile. Efforts of the CTA are hindered by the fact that it has yet to be recognized as a formal government, despite worldwide debate about the status of the Tibetans.
Structure
The CTA includes a full cabinet with officials who focus on issues like education, public service, religion, culture, health, finances, and security. It also includes a parliament, and in 2001, Tibetans around the world elected a Prime Minister, Professor Venerable Samdhong Rinpoche. The structure of the Tibetan Government in Exile is designed along democratic principles, in an attempt to demonstrate that Tibet is a modernized society, and that the government could justly rule if it was restored.
Tibetan Independence Movement
The CTA is no longer closely involved with the Tibetan independence movement, which wants Tibet to be a free and independent nation. The CTA’s official stance is that Tibet should have some degree of autonomy, but remain part of China. Many in the government want it to have powers similar to Hong Kong, Macau, or Xinjiang.