Editor,
I’m writing to highlight a critical flaw in Arunachal Pradesh’ inner line permit (ILP) system. While it is meant to control who enters our state and protect our unique culture and demographics, its current enforcement is falling short because we’re only tracking who comes in, not who leaves.
Right now, ILPs are checked at entry points, but there’s no real system to monitor departures. This makes it almost impossible to track overstays. As a result, many people, especially migrant workers and informal traders, enter legally but then simply remain, either staying beyond their permit’s validity or blending into our towns and villages undetected. This problem is made worse using fake ILPs, outdated paper records, and corruption at checkpoints
To address these vulnerabilities, I propose the adoption of a technology-driven entry-exit monitoring system, fully integrated with a statewide e-ILP database. This system would function as follows:
Each ILP issued would incorporate a unique QR code, linked to a centralized digital ID. This QR code would store essential visitors’ data, including name, photograph, purpose of visit, duration of stay, and local caretaker details.
At entry points, security personnel would scan this QR code, logging the entry timestamp and GPS location, thereby ‘activating’ the ILP record within the system.
Crucially, visitors would be required to scan the same QR code at exit points upon departure. This action would register their exit, updating the system and formally ‘closing’ their ILP record.
If an exit isn’t recorded by the ILP’s expiry date, the system would automatically flag the entry as an overstay violation. This would trigger immediate alerts to district magistrates, local police, and relevant authorities, with SMS notifications to the visitor as well.
All collected data would feed into a centralized digital dashboard, accessible to authorized law enforcement and administrative officers. This platform would provide real-time entry and exit logs, active and expired ILP statuses, and lists of flagged overstays. It would also enable field officers to instantly verify ILP authenticity using handheld devices, significantly deterring forgery and corruption.
This integrated solution would significantly boost transparency, accountability, and security within the ILP framework. By not only deterring illegal residency and system manipulation but also providing vital data for local governance, tourism planning, and law enforcement efforts, it offers a comprehensive improvement.
While such a system necessitates initial investment and administrative coordination, it is technically feasible and could be piloted in select districts before full-scale deployment.
I urge the authorities concerned to give serious consideration to this proposal.
Concerned APST individual