Villagers celebrate big windfall from collective industries in Xizang

A joyous celebration was held in the village of Deshing in the Xizang autonomous region recently, as villagers were rewarded with substantial bonuses for their hard work throughout 2023.

The total distribution, which included bonuses and wages, exceeded 12 million yuan ($1.6 million).

During the celebratory event, representatives of the village, located in Nedong district of Lhokha city, meticulously distributed the funds to each household. The heartfelt distribution left everyone present deeply moved, with many expressing their awe and admiration at the community's achievements.

Deshing village, situated on the northern bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River, has flourished by establishing nine collective economic industries tailored to the local conditions. These include dairy farming, Tibetan pig breeding, construction, catering and a manual stone carving factory, all of which have provided employment opportunities and increased their incomes.

In 2023, the total collective economic income of the village exceeded 42 million yuan, marking a 26 percent increase from the year before, with profits surpassing 13.9 million yuan.

In light of this substantial income, Tashi Dorje, Party secretary of the village, explained that the village distributed bonuses in three categories to its 236 households and 892 residents. This distribution amounted to more than 5.1 million yuan. In addition, the village will pay over 7.3 million yuan in wages to workers for the collective economic industries, pushing the total above 12 million yuan.

Sonam Khadro, a villager who left her handprint on the bonus distribution list and received her cash bonus, couldn't contain her joy.

"Our family of six received a bonus of 40,000 yuan, my husband also works in the village's transportation fleet and earns over 7,000 yuan per month," Sonam Khadro was quoted as saying by Xizang Daily.

"Altogether, it's over 100,000 yuan," she said.

As the person in charge of Shannan Zhaxi Xinglong Construction Co, a collective economic entity in the village, Tashi Dondrub said, "This year, each employee received a bonus and wages totaling no less than 80,000 or 90,000 yuan, with some receiving over 100,000 yuan."

Although the celebration ended quickly, the joy of the villagers lingered on. They walked home in groups, carrying their cash bonuses, discussing the rewards of their hard work over the past year and planning what to add to their homes for the upcoming Tibetan New Year.

Hou Shubin, a local official, said they will continue to expand and strengthen distinctive industries, further develop collective economic strength, guide all enterprises to operate in accordance with regulations, and promote the vitalization of rural areas, making collective industries stronger, the village wealthier, and bringing joy to the masses.

Xizang's GDP for last year is estimated to have surpassed 239 billion yuan, with an annual growth rate of about 9.5 percent. The per capita disposable income of rural residents reached nearly 20,000 yuan, up 9 percent year-on-year, according to the region's statistics bureau.

Contact the writers at palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn