With an endeavour to promote local goods produced in the remote areas through traditional marketing system, Cabinet today have its ex-post-facto approval for pact between India and Bangladesh for setting up Border Haats. The move will give boost to the micro enterprises in the area.

The move aims towards improving economic well-being of marginalised sections of society.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post-facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh for -MoU and Mode of Operation of Border Haats signed on 23.10.2010 with Bangladesh for setting up Border Haats on India-Bangladesh Border; addendum to the MoU signed on 15.5.2012; to establish new Border Haats after identification of suitable locations in consultation with Government of Bangladesh and concerned State Governments; and 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.

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 through local markets in local currency and/or barter basis.

“Though not significant as a percentage of bilateral trade, these measures help to improve economic well-being of marginalised sections of society,” the Cabinet release said.

The Border Haats that are already operational are – Kalaichar (Meghalaya-Bangladesh border); Balat (Meghalaya-Bangladesh border); Kamlasagar (Tripura-Bangladesh border); and Srinagar (Tripura-Bangladesh border)

Source: PIB