What is Green Book? - Central Tibetan Administration

Political Statement
Every Tibetan residing outside Tibet should be proudly holding a Green Book, as gesture of rendering legitimacy to the exile government headed by H.H. the Dalai Lama. China has been systematically and methodically destroying the traces of Tibetan race, culture, tradition, language, and religion in Tibet. The Tibetan Government in Exile is trying to undo what China has done in Tibet. The unique Tibetan culture, tradition, language, and religion are now thriving in exile. To show stern defiance to the China’s illegal occupation of Tibet, everyone has to show their unreserved political support to our government.

Financial Support
Chatrel money is the most significant source of money for the government, as it comes directly from our own people. Our government feels comfortable using the Chatrel money since it is not handed down to us by some foreign donors.

Right now, the total Chatrel contribution from all Tibetans combined constitutes roughly 25% of the total yearly government expenses. Obviously, the rest of expenses have to be met through the outside donors and benefactors. Unfortunately, the over reliance on the outside sources for money has an element of uncertainty; the money that is available today may or may not be there next year. However, the expenses of the government are not only there every year but ever increasing, as it is playing more and more active roles in the welfare of Tibetans in India and Nepal.

If every Tibetan pays their Chatrel regularly, the government would be less dependent on foreign contributors. Tibetans living in western countries play an important role in the Chatrel contribution because of the foreign currencies conversion strength. Tibetans in U.S. are the important source of Chatrel as U.S. has one of the largest Tibetan populations outside India and Nepal.

With all your support and dedication, we can strengthen the financial position of the government and make it self- sustaining robust institution.

Components of Chatrel
There are three components to Chatrel, and their applicability depends on the age and employment status.

Yearly Chatrel Amount =  Basic Chatrel ($36) + 1 Day Meal ($10) + Employment Status($50) =$96.00

Everyone pays Basic Chatrel ($36), if 6 years or older

1 Day Meal ($10) is applicable, if 18 years or older

Employment Status($50) is applicable, if employed

Donation
In addition to Chatrel, one can make donation of any amount. Often people are unaware of donation that they can make in addition to Chatrel. While collecting Chatrel it is a good idea to subtly remind them that they can make additional donation to their name. For instance, if someone is paying $96 Chatrel for this year and he hands in $100 bill. One can politely ask him if he would like to make $4 donation to his name. It removes the hassle of finding $4 change to pay him back. And, of course it adds to the Chatrel revenue for our government. Every dollar counts!