The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The 9th Services Improvement Group (SIG) meeting, focusing on EXIM logistics and infrastructure, was convened on January 31, 2024, under the chairpersonship of Ms. Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, Logistics Division, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This meeting highlighted various initiatives to address EXIM-related challenges faced by the industry.
A key development discussed was the integration of a new system by the Department of Revenue for the bulk filing of shipping bills, aimed at significantly streamlining EXIM processes. The Electronic Logs (E-Logs) platform was also recognized for its success in empowering the SIG to efficiently tackle logistics sector challenges. The E-Logs platform offers real-time issue tracking, secure data sharing, and streamlined communication, leading to reduced resolution times and improved operational efficiency.
The SIG meeting also celebrated the resolution of a longstanding staff-related issue at the Air Freight Station, Kapashera, facilitated by the Department of Revenue with support from the Logistics Division, DPIIT.
In the realm of e-commerce, the notification of the Joint Parcel Policy was particularly beneficial for the industry, as shared by a representative from Amazon. This policy is expected to further enhance parcel freight movement on railways.
The meeting also addressed transportation challenges for rubber products from the North-Eastern region. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways detailed ongoing initiatives, such as the dredging contract for waterway routes connecting Tripura and Kolkata port and the use of alternative routes like the Sonamura Inland Waterway Terminal, Sabroom land port, and the India-Bangladesh Protocol Route. Efforts to facilitate 24×7 operations, including night navigation systems by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, were also highlighted.
Over 40 participants, including officials from various ministries and representatives from nine industry associations, attended the meeting. The SIG, pivotal in the implementation of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), serves as an inter-ministerial institutional mechanism engaging with over 30 business associations in the logistics sector.
The 9th SIG meeting reflects the collaborative efforts between the government and industry associations in driving innovation, streamlining processes, and fostering growth in the EXIM logistics sector.
