The state of Meghalaya has recently been in the news for its decision to put into effect the Inner Line Permit (ILP). This scheme was voted for by the Meghalaya Assembly, which is pushing for the state’s inclusion in the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873 incarnation. This development aims to enable a more secure and controlled means of entry into the region for non-residents.
The Background Story
The Meghalaya Cabinet had initially endorsed amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016 back in November 2019. These amendments paved the way for new laws that stipulate non-resident visitors must register themselves. These legal modifications were proposed in light of increasing demands for a system akin to the ILP.
An Overview of the Inner Line Permit System
Originally designed for regions such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur, the ILP serves as an exclusive permit for non-locals wanting to gain entry into these states in India. To acquire an ILP, applicants can apply either online or in-person. Once granted, the ILP outlines the individual’s travel dates and specifically designates which zones within the state are accessible to the ILP holder.
Implications of New Citizenship Law on ILP
According to the newly passed citizenship law, conditions for citizenship for unlawful migrants will not extend to tribal regions of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as defined under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution. This also applies to areas outlined under ‘The Inter Line’ as per the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. It’s noteworthy that whilst Meghalaya hasn’t previously adopted an ILP system, the region does consist of three Autonomous District Councils functioning under the Sixth Schedule which effectively covers nearly the entire state.
| State | Permit System |
|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | ILP |
| Nagaland | ILP |
| Mizoram | ILP |
| Manipur | ILP |
| Meghalaya | Proposed ILP |
The Recent Extension of the ILP Regime
Relevantly, the ILP scheme has recently seen further expansion to Manipur. This expansion was made possible following an executive order being signed off by the President of India.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024