By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, April 6: The governing body members of the All India Tibetan Refugee Trader’s Association (TRTA) today convened its 3rd conference in Dharamshala to discuss means to improve the workings and guidelines of the association.
Thinley Gyatso, Secretary of Department of Finance, attended the inaugural function of the conference as the chief guest along with Karma Gelek, Chairman of the association and other governing body members.
“There are still few places which still haven’t registered. Therefore, I urge them to be part of the association, through which every individual can get their problems heard by the association. Even CTA officiates assistance to traders through this organization,” said Thinley Gyatso.
During the two-day event, the 14 governing members of the association will discuss strategies to assist the 146 member regions incorporating over 3,300 families on matters pertaining to tax, transportation and improvement of market place etc.
“We will be providing ID card for all our members in order to differentiate Tibetan sweater sellers from others who pretend to be Tibetans to take goods on credit,” said Karma Gelek, adding that Green Book would be the main credential for members.
According to the association, the regional memberships have increased from 86 at the time of the handover to the third governing council to 146 current member regions.
The Chairman said that having more members bolsters the legitimacy of the association in dealing with wholesalers and transport companies.
The association has opened its office in Ludhiana on 16 August 2015, with an aim to help, guide and address the grievances of Tibetan sweater sellers.
In 2006, the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed the need for a body to look after the welfare of the Tibetan sweater sellers, and the TRTA was formed in 2008 with support from the Central Tibetan Administration.
