LAND PORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA

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Picture Courtesy: studycafe.in

Context: The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated newly constructed residential premises at the Jogbani Integrated Check Post of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) in Araria, Bihar.

Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)

About

• The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
• It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for the development, management, and regulation of integrated check posts (ICPs) and land ports in India, particularly along international borders.

Objectives and functions of the Land Ports Authority of India

• Development and Management: LPAI is tasked with developing and managing integrated check posts and land ports along India's borders with neighbouring countries. These facilities are crucial for promoting trade, commerce, and people-to-people connectivity between India and its neighbouring nations.
• Regulation: The authority regulates and oversees the functioning of these land ports and integrated check posts, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations. It also aims to streamline customs and immigration procedures to facilitate cross-border trade and movement of people.
• Infrastructure Development: LPAI focuses on the construction and maintenance of infrastructure at these border entry points, including customs facilities, warehouses, cargo handling areas, and residential quarters for officials and security personnel.
• Trade and Cultural Promotion: LPAI works toward promoting trade and cultural ties with neighbouring countries by facilitating the movement of goods and people across borders. It aims to strengthen relations and cooperation between India and its neighbouring nations.
• Security: Ensuring the security of these border areas is a crucial responsibility of LPAI. This includes measures to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, trafficking, and unauthorized border crossings.
• Efficiency and Technology: The authority strives to introduce modern technology and systems to enhance the efficiency of border trade and movement. This includes the implementation of electronic data interchange (EDI) systems and other technology-driven solutions.
• Customs and Immigration Facilitation: LPAI works in coordination with customs and immigration authorities to streamline and expedite clearance processes at the integrated check posts, reducing delays and bottlenecks.
• Infrastructure Expansion: LPAI continually assesses the need for additional land ports and integrated checkposts to facilitate trade and connectivity with neighbouring countries. It plans and implements new projects as required.

Summary

• The Land Ports Authority of India plays a pivotal role in promoting cross-border trade, enhancing bilateral relations, and ensuring the efficient functioning of land ports and integrated check posts along India's international borders. Its activities contribute to the economic and social development of border regions and facilitate trade with neighbouring countries.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1958037