Arunachal withdraws suspension on issuing ILP to reopen tourism sector

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal government on Friday announced to withdraw suspension on issuing ILP and Protected Area Permit to travellers as the COVID-19 situation in the northeastern state is "under control".

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, during the cabinet meeting approved the suspension on issuance of Inner Line Permit (ILP) and PAP to reopen the state to tourists who have received both doses of COVID vaccines, Home Minister Bamang Felix told reporters.

"As the COVID situation is currently under control, the cabinet decided to lift the ban on issuing ILP and PAP and allow tourism activities in the state,” Felix, also the state government spokesperson, said.

The administration will come out with an advisory on COVID appropriate behaviour for travellers.

The state cabinet, in its meeting on Thursday, also approved a proposal for devolution of power (3F – Functions, Fund and Functionaries) to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the spokesperson informed.

"Under the devolution of power to PRIs, a sustainable, participative, inclusive, comprehensive and empowerment (SPICE) model will be adopted in the state. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Arunachal Pradesh and also in the country. We hope that such a decentralisation system will be accepted by other states in future,” Felix said.

A dedicated separate Zilla Parishad fund under the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Raj (Acts and Rules) 2018 will also be created.

At least 10 per cent of state own revenues will be transferred to the PRIs, which will come into effect from the next financial year, he said, adding that this will be in addition to the 14th Finance Commission grants.

The detailed formula for devolution of power and function to the local bodies will be unveiled on October 8 by the chief minister.

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“Capacity building and training of local leaders will be done in the next six months by the Panchayat Raj department...vigilance and monitoring committee at the district levels will also be constituted," he said.

The cabinet also approved the recruitment rules for sub-inspector of motor transport posts in the state police.

It gave its go-ahead to amend the Arunachal Pradesh Excise Rules, 1994 to introduce an online system to collect an upfront levy of excise duty on alcoholic beverages for bonded warehouses.

The prepaid collection will ensure realisation of excise duty at the point of entry, instead of exit, of alcoholic beverages, and this would prevent revenue pilferage, the spokesperson said.

The cabinet directed the state education department to assess the need for a third language and dialect of tribal communities.

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