(a) whether the Government have dismantled the Special Import Licence (SIL) Scheme.
(b) if so, the reasons therefore;
(c) whether the items allowed under SIL have been put under the Open General Licence (OGL) scheme; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTER
(SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)
(a) to (d) Special Import Licence Scheme was devised as an intermediate step before restriction on import of any item was to be removed completely. In view of India`s commitment to remove all quantitative restrictions on imports by 31.3.2001, the scheme has lost its relevance. Hence it has been decided to discontinue the Special Import Licence Scheme with effect from 1.4.2001.
Out of 685 tariff lines, which were allowed to be imported against SIL, 481 tariff lines have been allowed to be imported freely with effect from 31.3.2000. However, another 24 tariff lines have been shifted to SIL category, with effect from 31.3.2000. These items will continue in SIL category till the scheme continues.