Lakshadweep administration simplifies entry to UT

Kochi: The Lakshadweep administration has simplified the procedure for obtaining entry permits to the Union Territory.As per a new order issued by department of general administration of the UT, administrator of Lakshadweep modified an existing order prescribing the "procedure for issue, reject, renew, endorse and cancel the entry permits to various categories of visitors." As per the new order, the requirement of an undertaking from a sponsor that he shall take responsibility for the good conduct and behaviour of the applicant during their stay on the island was removed. Previously, the undertaking from the sponsor, signed before the notary public or magistrate, was mandatory for obtaining entry permits. As per the order, this amendment was being done with the intention of simplifying the procedure for obtaining entry permits and promoting ease of travel to Lakshadweep, while at the same time balancing the requirement of adequate security verification of persons travelling to Lakshadweep, the order issued on Saturday said. "Earlier, Lakshadweep residents had the possibility of sponsoring their friends from the mainland and arranging entry permits by submitting an affidavit. The administration seems to be doing away with this procedure, as it is often time-consuming. It seems to be aimed at boosting tourism. We are waiting to see how the actual process works from now on," said Koya K, a Lakshadweep resident.