Question: Which of the following state became the first in India to launch an online platform SMARTPORT?
(a) Telangana
(b) Karnataka
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (d)
Related facts:
- On 25 October, 2019 Andhra Pradesh became the first state in India to launch an online platform SMARTPORT as part of implementing the Ease of Doing Business (EDB) reforms.
- It should be known that these reforms are related to trade and export promotion in all ports in the state.
- The platform will be covered under the Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act and tracked through a single desk portal.
- Its purpose is to bring in transparency and accountability and establish a corruption-free environment in port-related services.
- SMARTPORT will enable following online services:
- Request for entry of vessels into Indian waters.
- Furnishing cargo declaration.
- Request for entry certificate of vessels, furnishing import/export parameters and request for final clearance certificate.
- It will also facilitate in following matters:
- Registration.
- Renewal of an agency or firm.
- Payment of offshore support vessel charges.
- Payments for drawl of seawater.
- Pipeline charges.
- Barge registration.
- Renewal or change of ownership and fishing harbor permission.
- All this will ensure hassle-free, transparent, accountable and speedy service delivery in the ports (including those under public-private partnership initiative) and augment trade and export promotion in the state.