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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Inner Line Permit System

Mains level: Issues with ILP system

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court opposing the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur.

A concept drawn by colonial rulers, the Inner Line separated the tribal-populated hill areas in the Northeast from the plains.
The concept originates from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR), 1873.
To enter and stay for any period in these areas, Indian citizens from other areas need an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram are protected by the Inner Line, and lately, Manipur was added (in December last year).

The policy of exclusion first came about as a response to the reckless expansion of British entrepreneurs into new lands which threatened British political relations with the hill tribes.
The BEFR prohibits an outsider’s — “British subject or foreign citizen” — entry into the are beyond the Inner Line without a pass and his purchase of land there.
On the other hand, the Inner Line also protects the commercial interests of the British from the tribal communities.
After Independence, the Indian government replaced “British subjects” with “Citizen of India”.
Today, the main aim of the ILP system is to prevent settlement of other Indian nationals in the States where the ILP regime is prevalent, in order to protect the indigenous/tribal population.

Despite the fact that the ILP was originally created by the British to safeguard their commercial interests, it continues to be used in India.
It aims to protect tribal cultures in northeastern India.
There are different kinds of ILP’s, one for tourists and others for people who intend to stay for long-term periods, often for employment purposes.
ILP’s valid for tourism purposes are granted as a matter of routine.

What is Inner Line Permit System (ILPS)?

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