Focus on regulation of work permit and trading license
SHILLONG: The district congress committee of South Garo Hills has stressed the need of strengthening existing mechanisms in the State instead of implementing Inner Line Permit.
In a statement issued on Friday, SR Marak, President, District Congress Committee (DCC) Baghmara, said that the introduction of ILP system will hamper the prospects of tourism in the State.
“There are alternates to Inner Line Permit, which the State has initiated to introduce as steps to check influx”, Marak said.
He also said the regulation of work permit and trading license to outsiders is the need of the hour.
“The fact of the matter is that if the goal of Inner line permit is to safeguard and protect the natives, then a new system should be implemented and developed. In this era of globalization and liberalization, an entity of particular community cannot confine themselves to one particular region, since the structure of community that we are at present is vastly different from 1873”, Marak said.
According to the Congress leader, a strong and better tenancy law would be ideal in the context of Meghalaya.
He also said that the District Congress Committee, South Garo Hills believes that if corrective measures are taken instead of Inner Line Permit, then the state would have the options to avail Foreign Direct Investment, inflow of investors and better congenial atmosphere for the growth of tourism sector.
According to Marak, if the authorities had strengthened and streamlined the existing laws of Autonomous District Councils, under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, the problem of influx would have been solved.
The frequent calling of bandhs, hartals and road blockades among others disturb not only the economic growth of Garo Hills but also create insecurity and uncertainty among the people; especially the tourists and investors, he said.
According to Marak, the worst affected victims are the school and college going students and the daily wage labourers.