The "e-Inner Line Permit (ILP)" implemented by the Department of IT & C has been awarded at a function in Goa. The award is not the point, but from a layman perspective, the e-ILP is an initiative which is the need of the hour and will have far reaching effects, all for the better.

For the average Indian living in metropolitan cities, the ILP complexities and lack of information about where to procure one, has been the biggest deterrent to any plans of visiting the frontier state. Also the alleged lax nature of employees who man ILP information desks at Arunachal Bhawans have thawed many a travel plan.

This digital move will now make hassle free entry possible for domestic visitors into Arunachal and the portal will enable visitors to apply and obtain the mandatory inner line permit (ILP) online from anywhere in the country.

The decision is astute and a timely because Arunachal of the present has aspirations and the government and administration of the day is competent enough to make the Inner Line Permit flexible in a manner which benefits the state.

Despite the inherent goodness, the ILP complexities pose a major deterrent to tourists as well as investors. This is no good when the state is projecting itself in a big way especially in the tourism map. 

Wisdom lies in understanding that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’. While strict ILP measures are required to check the influx of illegal migrants but the same is not applicable on tourists or visitors who come to the state for a short duration—to sight-see, spend their hard earned money and go back shortly.

Tourism the world over has changed economies and communities. Arunachal, a treasure trove of natural goodness must not shun the benefits tourism brings.