Govt introduces bill to set up integrated check posts

A bill providing for setting up of integrated check posts at international borders to strengthen security system was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

A bill providing for setting up of integrated check posts at international borders to strengthen security system was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

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The Land Ports Authority of India Bill, 2009, which was introduced by Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken, proposes to establish an authority to construct, manage and maintain integrated check posts.

The authority, according to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, will also regulate the functions of various agencies working at check posts to regulate entry and exit of passengers and goods.

The integrated check posts will be developed as sanitized zones with dedicated passenger and cargo terminals comprising customs and immigration facilities, security and scanning equipment, besides quarantine facilities.

Giving a rationale for the new legislation, the statement said, presently there was no single agency responsible for coordinating functioning of various government authorities and service providers.

Noting that existing infrastructure available with customs, immigration and other regulatory agencies are generally not sufficient, the statement said, "regulatory and support functions are also not available either under one roof or in any integrated manner."