UPSC Articles
GOVERNANCE/ POLITY
Topic:
- GS-2: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
- GS-2: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
Uttarakhand ILP System
Context: The Uttarakhand government, in a recent meeting with Union Home Minister, had sought withdrawal of “inner-line permit” (ILP) system in Niti Valley of Chamoli district and Nelang Valley of Uttarkashi district of the State.
What is ILP System?
- Uttarakhand shares a 350-km border with China and a 275-km boundary with Nepal.
- The ILP system restricts movement in areas close to the border for everyone other than those with a formal permission.
- In Uttarakhand, tourists have to obtain ILP for locations near China border, at least in the three districts of Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh and Chamoli.
- ITBP allows a minimum possible number of tourists in these areas as there is a risk of getting trapped and going missing in snowfalls in that area
Reasons why Government and People are asking for removal of ILP system
- Relaxation on movement will increase tourist activities in the area. Presently, foreign tourists are prohibited in this area while domestic tourists are allowed entry with ILP. The maximum number of people allowed are 24 in a day and they cannot stay there at night.
- Removal of restriction also means increase in overall economic activities of the region.
- Villages will be rehabilitated so that locals could also act as ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ at border for surveillance.
- It will also stop outward migration. This is because most of the border villages see outward migration owing to lack of livelihood opportunities
Connecting the dots:
