NEW DELHI, Jan 7 - Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its ex-post-facto clearance for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh on border haats.
The MoU and Mode of Operation of Border Haats signed on October 23, 2010 with Bangladesh for setting up Border Haats on India-Bangladesh Border, while addendum to the MoU was signed on May 15, 2012.
The MoU was to establish new Border Haats after identification of suitable locations in consultation with Government of Bangladesh and concerned State Governments and to modify the terms and condition of the above MoU in consultation with State Governments and Central agencies and Government of Bangladesh.
The Border Haats aim at promoting the well-being of the people dwelling in remote areas across the borders of two countries, by establishing traditional system of marketing the local produce thorough local markets in local currency and on barter basis. Though not significant as a percentage of bilateral trade, these measures help to improve economic well-being of marginalised sections of society.
During the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister to India on January, 2010, it was agreed that Border Haats shall be established on a pilot basis at selected areas, including on the Meghalaya border, to allow trade in specified products, said sources.
The Border Haats are already operational in Kalaichar (Meghalaya-Bangladesh border), Balat (Meghalaya-Bangladesh border), Kamlasagar, Srinagar both at Tripura-Bangladesh border.
In addition, both the Government agreed to further establish two Border Haats in Tripura and four Border Haats in Meghalaya on the Bangladesh border, said sources.
