Union Cabinet approved MoU with Bangladesh to set up border haats

The Union Cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 6 January 2016 gave its ex-post-facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh.

The approval was given for:

• MoU and Mode of Operation of Border Haats that was signed on 23 October 2010 with Bangladesh for setting up Border Haats on India-Bangladesh Border.

• Addendum to the MoU signed on 15 May 2012.

• To establish new Border Haats after identification of suitable locations in consultation with Government of Bangladesh and concerned State Governments.

• To modify/revise the terms and condition of the above MoU/Addendum in consultation with relevant State Governments/Central Government agencies and Government of Bangladesh.

About Border Haats

• The Border Haats aim at promoting the well-being of the people dwelling in remote areas across the borders of two countries.

• The haats will establish traditional system of marketing the local produce thorough local markets in local currency and/or barter basis.

• Though not significant as a percentage of bilateral trade, the measures will help to improve economic well-being of marginalised sections of society.

Background

• During the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister to India from 10 January 2010 to 13 January 2010, it was agreed that Border Haats will be established on a pilot basis at selected areas to allow trade in specified products and in accordance with the regulations agreed and notified by both the governments.

• In order to implement the same, an MoU and the Mode of operation of Border Haats across the border between Bangladesh and lndia was signed on 23 October 2010.

• Subsequently, an Addendum to Mode of operation of Border Haats across the Border between Bangladesh and India was also signed on 15 May 2012.

The following Border Haats are already operational:

• Kalaichar (Meghalaya-Bangladesh border)
• Balat (Meghalaya-Bangladesh border)
• Kamlasagar (Tripura-Bangladesh border)
• Srinagar (Tripura-Bangladesh border)

Now get latest Current Affairs on mobile, Download # 1  Current Affairs App