Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Labour and Employment, introduced the National Transit Pass System (NTPS) across India in a key step toward improving the ease of doing business in the forestry industry. This new system aims to revolutionize the transportation of timber, bamboo, and other forest produce, replacing the current state-specific transit rules with a unified and efficient ‘One Nation-One Pass’ regime.
NTPS: ‘One Nation-One Pass’ for Seamless Transit
The NTPS is designed to simplify the process of obtaining timber transit permits by providing a unified, online mode accessible to tree growers and farmers engaged in agroforestry nationwide. The introduction of this system is expected to contribute significantly to the ease of doing business by eliminating the complexities associated with the current state-specific regulations.
Pan Indian Vehicles Flagged-Off to Showcase NTPS Applicability
To create awareness and demonstrate the practicality of the NTPS, Minister Bhupender Yadav flagged off special Pan Indian vehicles carrying forest produce. These vehicles, originating from Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir, are bound for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The QR-coded transit permits generated under the NTPS will facilitate seamless verification at check gates across various states, ensuring a hassle-free transit experience.
Expressing his satisfaction with the nationwide implementation of the NTPS, Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that this marks a historic achievement. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to transparency and guarantees India’s development. Yadav highlighted the broader impact of the NTPS, extending beyond agroforestry to incentivize the entire value chain associated with timber and forest products.
NTPS as a Game-Changer for Agroforestry
Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, described the NTPS as a game-changer for agroforestry and trees outside the forest. Launched to streamline the transit of timber and forest products, the NTPS is expected to enhance the ease of doing business in this sector. The initiative is part of a series of recent endeavors by the Ministry to boost agroforestry practices in the nation.
Simplifying Intra-State and Inter-State Transportation
Before the introduction of the NTPS, obtaining transit permits for transporting timber and forest products across states was a time-consuming process, with each state having its own transit regulations. The NTPS now offers seamless transit permits, managing records for both inter-state and intra-state transportation of timber, bamboo, and other forest produce obtained from various sources.
The NTPS is designed for user convenience, featuring desktop and mobile applications for easy registration and permit applications. Currently, 25 states and Union Territories have embraced the unified permit system, streamlining interstate business operations for producers, farmers, and transporters. This move is expected to provide a significant impetus to the agroforestry sector and promote sustainable practices in the forestry industry.
Subheading 8: Recent Initiatives and Future Prospects
Minister Yadav also highlighted other recent initiatives by the Ministry, such as the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme and the Trees Outside Forest Initiative. These endeavors collectively aim to boost agroforestry practices in the nation, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable forestry management.
Closing Note: NTPS Accessible Online
The NTPS can be accessed online at https://ntps.nic.in, providing a centralized platform for users to register, apply for permits, and contribute to the seamless transit of timber, bamboo, and other forest produce across the country.
Key Benefits of National Transit Pass System
- Expedite issuance of transit permits for timber, bamboo and other minor forest produce without physically going to forest offices.
- Replace manual paper based transit system by online transit system
- One permit for whole India for transit of timber, bamboo and other minor forest produce for ease of doing business.
- Seamless movement across state borders from origin to destination through help of Mobile App.
- Prevent hardships of timber and bamboo producers, farmers and transporters in obtaining permits and at forest check posts.
- Promotion of agro-forestry activities.
- Saving of transportation cost and time which will benefit farmers and traders and will in turn help in increasing farmers’ income
