Itanagar, Oct 1 (UNI): The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to lift the suspension of tourist Inner Line Permit and Protected Area Permit and resume tourism in the state.
“Since the Covid-19 situation is currently under control in the country and the state, the Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in its meeting on Thursday decided to lift the suspension of tourist Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Protected Area Permit (PAP) and allow all tourism activities in Arunachal with advisory to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour,” government spokesperson Bamang Felix told the media on Friday.
Following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the state government had stopped issuing tourist ILPs and PAPs (for foreign visitors) in March last year as a Covid control measure.
The Cabinet, however, decided to allow only fully vaccinated tourists (person who has taken both doses of vaccine) at this point of time.
“This decision of the cabinet will benefit the tour operators, hoteliers, cab operators, homestay owners and all tourism related stakeholders as they have been facing enormous economic hardship due to the suspension of tourist ILP and PLP,” the government spokesperson said.
As per the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, for any domestic traveller to enter Arunachal Pradesh must obtain an ILP, which will be valid for a limited period of time.
The Khandu Cabinet, in a ‘historic’ decision, agreed for ‘genuine’ devolution of powers – functions, funds and functionaries (the 3Fs) – to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as per 73rd Constitutional amendment and 11th Schedule of Constitution (29 subjects).
“Detailed formula for devolution of powers and functions to the Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat segments will be unveiled by the Chief Minister here on October 8 next,” the spokesperson said.
Besides deciding to adopt ‘Sustainable Participative Inclusive Comprehensive & Empowerment (SPICE) model, first of its kind in the country, the Cabinet decided that a dedicated ‘Zilla Parishad Fund’ under Section 99 (1) of The Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Raj (Acts and Rules) 2018 shall be created.
Among other decisions, the Cabinet also gave its approval for enhancement of penalties for violators of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 in the State in a bid to lessen the violation of traffic rules and MV Act.
