The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), also known as the Tibetan Government in Exile, is the governmental and administrative body responsible for the overall governance and representation of the Tibetan people living in exile.
The CTA was established in 1959 following the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama from Tibet. Its headquarters are located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. The aim of the CTA is to preserve and promote Tibetan culture, language, and identity while advocating for the welfare and human rights of Tibetan refugees.
As a politico-administrative body, the CTA functions as a de facto government and exercises various executive, legislative, and judicial powers. It collaborates closely with the International Tibet Support Network and engages in diplomatic efforts worldwide to garner support for the Tibetan cause.
The CTA is headed by a President who is elected by the Tibetan community in exile. The President is responsible for policy-making, decision-making, and representing the Tibetan government at both national and international levels. The CTA also comprises various departments, including the Department of Information and International Relations, Department of Finance, and Department of Education, among others, which oversee and implement different aspects of governance and affairs related to the Tibetan Diaspora.
Overall, the Central Tibetan Administration serves as the governing body for Tibetans in exile, advocating for their rights, preserving their cultural heritage, and striving for a peaceful resolution to the Tibetan issue.
