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