Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said ILP cannot be implemented in the state.
“As Assam is the gateway to the Northeast, hence the inner line permit (ILP) system cannot be implemented in Assam,” Sarma told the media on Sunday in Guwahati.
The statement comes amid speculation that the high-level committee on Clause 6 of Assam Accord has recommended the introduction of ILP in Assam in its report submitted to the government.
“If we implement ILP in Assam then the unemployment level in the state will increase three-fold,” Sarma said.
“If outsiders cannot come to Assam to the tea and oil sector then from where will the employment be generated? Hence we cannot implement in Assam,” Sarma reiterated.
On being asked on clause 6 committee’s recommendation on ILP, Sarma said, “I had talked with some members of the panel and as far from what they have told, I can say that there has been no suggestion on the introduction of ILP.”