Tibetan exiles - long regarded by Beijing as a major irritant in Sino-Indian relations - are being counted for the first time in India's census.
Analysts described the government's decision as overdue and a step in the right direction.
The exiled community falls into the category of 'other residents', covering foreigners residing in the country for more than six months. Under the new plan, Tibetans will be included in the National Population Register after they are counted and will be issued a Unique Identification Card with biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and pictures of the eye, which will be stored online for instant authentication.
On Friday, the Dalai Lama became the first Tibetan to be counted when census-takers called on the spiritual leader at his home in Dharamsala, headquarters of the government-in-exile.
After furnishing his personal details, the Dalai Lama issued an appeal to Tibetans scattered across India to fully co-operate with officials in the current census exercise. 'I am very happy to be included in the census, as I have lived in India for five decades,' the Dalai Lama said, according to the Hindustan Times. 'Inclusion in the census is an honour bestowed on Tibetans in their second home.'
Dr Subhash Kapila of New Delhi's South Asia Analysis Group, agreed. 'Inclusion in the census will give [Tibetans] at least a sense of belonging,' he said. 'The measure was long overdue. Tibetans are a peaceful, law-abiding lot who have never resorted to anti-Indian activities.