New DelhiIntroducing digital services like Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) and Electronic Logbook (e-Logs) along with warehousing standards are some of the key measures of the newly introduced National Logistics Policy (NLP).
The NLP, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, aims to Shortage The logistics cost ranges from the current 13 per cent to single digit numbers, saving Indian manufacturers time and money. It provides a regulatory framework for logistics efficiency, digital portals to streamline transportation and aims to facilitate the development of key infrastructure such as air freight stations, inland container depots and container freight stations.
The policy seeks to complement the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
While Gati Shakti focuses on integrated infrastructure development, NLP deals with digital services and building a regulatory framework that will help streamline the logistics ecosystem in India.
NLP also provides an e-handbook for Standardization of Warehousing in the country. It will match existing standards and global best practices to reduce costs, improve efficiency and ensure global competitiveness of Indian goods.
“National Logistics Policy complements PM Gati Shakti and together, they will revolutionize logistics efficiency in the country. Anurag Jain, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), told ThePrint that standardizing various aspects such as warehousing would lead to optimization and increased efficiency.
ThePrint looks at the features and benefits of NLP.
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What digital services does NLP provide?
The two main digital services offered by NLP are ULIPs and e-logs.
ULIP is a single online portal used by government and private agencies, service providers, shippers, consignees and others to enable exchange of information on a real time basis. It seeks to address the challenges of delayed processes and manual activities.
According to the commerce ministry, ULIPs are already functional.
E-Logs, developed by DPIIT, is a digital dashboard for registration and monitoring of resolution of user issues related to services, documentation, procedures, policy etc. A group of nominated officers from different ministries to form a ‘Service Improvement Group’. , will be entrusted with the task of overseeing this system.
Ajay Sahai, director general of Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), said that unlike digital services offered under NLP, other aspects of the policy, such as its regulatory framework and key infrastructure facilities, may take longer to be implemented. Is.
“While NLP is using technology to set up services like ULIPs, it is also looking to develop multi-modal logistics parks, correct heterogeneous transport routes etc. Digital services like ULIPs are functional at present, but may take three to three to facilitate major infrastructure. Five years,” Sahai told ThePrint.
Exporters’ Feedback
Exporters from high-value sectors such as gems and jewelery have welcomed NLPs, but shared concerns about the implementation of digital services such as ULIPs.
Gem and Jewelery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC) executive director Sabyasachi Ray said the logistics for the gems and jewelery sector are “well defined”, yet it requires insurance, security personnel and overall safe movement. it occurs. things.
“The e-logs dashboard and ULIPs are steps in the right direction. However, it will depend on how fast these are implemented by government agencies and without initial glitches in their initial implementation,” he said.
Siddharth Rajagopal, executive director, Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil), pointed out that the Indian textile industry, which is “fragmented” by nature due to its widely dispersed production network, stands to benefit from NLP.
“Logistics in the textile value chain are essential for order processing, production, warehousing, transportation and distribution. The difficulty in meeting the stringent global distribution schedule due to lack of efficient logistics ecosystem puts the textile industry at a serious disadvantage,” Rajagopal told ThePrint.
He said dedicated freight corridors by rail and road, connectivity of ports and inland waterways, and emergency delivery of high value, perishable goods by air are the need of the hour.
(Edited by Polomi Banerjee)
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