Corrigendum to Ministry of External Affairs notification number G.S.R. 216E dated the 2nd April, 2025

## Policy Analysis Report: Corrigendum to G.S.R. 216E Regarding Geographical Name "BASELINE POINT" **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a corrigendum issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, specifically addressing an error in the notification G.S.R. 216E, dated April 2nd, 2025, regarding geographical names. The corrigendum, published as G.S.R. 253E on April 22nd, 2025, corrects a typographical error within the Schedule of G.S.R. 216E, changing "BASELINE POINT 15" to "BASELINE POINT 17". This seemingly minor correction has implications for the accurate representation and potential utilization of geographical data related to baseline points, particularly for stakeholders involved in maritime boundaries, resource management, and international agreements. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a concise analysis of the published corrigendum (G.S.R. 253E) to the Government of India's Ministry of External Affairs notification G.S.R. 216E, dated April 2nd, 2025, based solely on the information provided in the policy text. The report will focus on the nature of the correction, its likely rationale, affected parties, and potential impacts. **3. Policy Overview:** * This analysis focuses on an **amendment** to the original policy G.S.R. 216E, dated April 2nd, 2025. * **Core Objective (of the Amendment):** The core objective of this amendment is to correct a factual error in the original notification concerning the geographical name of a baseline point, ensuring accuracy in official records and related applications. This correction is crucial for precise geographical referencing. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **(Amendment):** The reason for this amendment is a simple typographical error in the original G.S.R. 216E notification. The text indicates that the serial number referencing "BASELINE POINT" contained an incorrect number: "15" instead of the correct number: "17". This type of error can have significant implications in mapping, surveying, and legal contexts that rely on precise geographical information. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **(Amendment):** This corrigendum makes a single, highly specific change to G.S.R. 216E. * **Specific Part Changed:** Within the "SCHEDULE" of G.S.R. 216E, specifically in "serial number 16, under the heading Geographical Name". * **New Rule/Provision:** The new, corrected name is "BASELINE POINT 17". * **Difference/Effect:** The difference is a change from an incorrect identification ("BASELINE POINT 15") to the correct one ("BASELINE POINT 17"). The effect is to ensure that any document, map, database, or agreement referencing this specific baseline point uses the accurate identifier. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text and the Ministry involved (External Affairs), the direct stakeholders are likely: * Government agencies involved in surveying, mapping, and maintaining geographical databases. * International organizations involved in maritime boundary delimitation. * Entities involved in resource exploration and exploitation in areas defined by these baseline points. * Legal professionals working on matters related to maritime law and international boundaries. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of External Affairs is the responsible agency. The "Jt. Secy. SRINIVAS GOTRU" is identified as the point of contact. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The corrigendum was issued on April 22nd, 2025, correcting an error in a notification dated April 2nd, 2025. This implies a relatively quick turnaround for identifying and rectifying the error. * **(Amendment Specific):** Implementation of this change requires updating any relevant databases, maps, and legal documents to reflect the correct "BASELINE POINT 17" designation. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **(Amendment):** The intended outcome of this correction is to ensure the accuracy of geographical information pertaining to this specific baseline point. The potential impact of the correction is to prevent legal disputes, ensure proper resource management, and maintain accurate records of maritime boundaries. The absence of this correction could lead to misinterpretations and legal challenges. **9. Conclusion:** The corrigendum G.S.R. 253E issued by the Ministry of External Affairs addresses a critical, albeit seemingly minor, error in the identification of a baseline point. This amendment, correcting "BASELINE POINT 15" to "BASELINE POINT 17", underscores the importance of accuracy in geographical data and its implications for various stakeholders involved in boundary delimitation, resource management, and international law. Timely correction of such errors is vital to preventing potential disputes and ensuring the integrity of geographical records.

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