Ministry:
Home Affairs
- The Land Ports Authority of India Bill, 2009 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 7, 2009. The Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs (Chairperson: Sri M. Venkaiah Naidu), which is scheduled to submit its report by three months.
- The central government shall constitute the Land Ports Authority of India, which shall have the power to manage facilities for cross-border movement of passengers and goods at designated points along the international land border of India. The Authority shall be composed of a Chairperson and members from the government and representatives of traders and workers.
- The Authority may (a) maintain or construct roads, terminals and ancillary buildings other than national or state highways and railways, at an integrated check post (as notified by the central government); (b) procure and maintain communication, security and goods handling equipment; (c) provide appropriate space for various services such as immigration, customs, security, and taxation authorities; (d) construct residential buildings for its employees; and (e) establish and maintain hotels, restrooms, warehouses, and container deports.
- The Authority may seek the assistance of armed forces, central para military force or state police to ensure peace and security at an integrated check post.
- The customs, immigration, quarantine and other officials shall co-ordinate with the Authority to discharge their duties effectively.
- Any land needed by the Authority shall be deemed to be needed for a public purpose. The Authority has the power to enter any contract necessary for executing its duties. The Bill makes provisions for the mode of executing contracts on behalf of the Authority.
- The Authority may charge such fees and rent as provided by regulations. It shall establish its own funds where all receipts shall be credited. It may also establish a reserve fund for the purpose of expanding existing facilities or creating new facilities at any integrated check post.
- The Bill makes provisions for submission of the Authority’s programme of activities and financial estimates to the central government. It also makes it mandatory for the Authority to maintain accounts which shall be audited annually.
- If the central government approves, the Authority may borrow money from any source by issuing bonds and debentures. The central government may guarantee the repayment of the principal and the payment of interest on the loan taken by the Authority.
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