SHILLONG: S. Choudhury, the Superintendent Technical, Customs and Central Excise in Shillong, has said only the State Government can request for opening new Land Customs Station (LCS) and that the customs office will no longer entertain requests from groups or individuals in this regard.
Choudhury said the department would forward a request to the Centre for opening a new LCS only if the request comes from the Government. “It is not possible for the department to take individual requests,” he added.
At present, there are requests from individuals who approached the department for opening new LCS, one under the Dawki LCS, but the request was sent to the Government.
When asked about re-opening of Kalibali station under Shella LCS, Choudhury said there was no proposal in this regard.
The LCS suggested by the state government are Umkiang in East Jaintia Hills and Beltoli in East Khasi Hills, he said and added that the customs is ready to give permission if the State Government provides land for development of the LCSs.
The LCS still under construction in Meghalaya – Dalu and Gasuapara in South West Garo Hills – will be completed soon.
The customs wants all LCSs to have proper parking facility, office space for the staff to monitor shipment of goods, besides other facilities.
When contacted, the Director of Commerce and Industry MB Roy said there was no request for a new LCS. When asked about the re-opening of the Kalibali station, the director said there was no such proposal.
The Chhatak Limestone Importers and Suppliers Group from Bangladesh had requested the Indian Exporters to take up with the Ministry of Finance and Revenue the opening of the existing Beltoli export point from pillar number 1243/3T-1243/2ST from Beltoli in India and Sunamgonj district in Bangladesh.
