New Delhi, Aug 18 : In order to streamline and homogenize the progress of the maritime industry, in conjunction with making it easier of conducting business through removing unnecessary delays and disputes and controversies, the government on Thursday released the draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022 (IP Bill 2022) to consolidate and update the laws that govern ports. The main goals of the bill proposed include the promotion of integrated planning between states inter-se and Centre-States by establishing an entirely consultative and recommended framework; ensuring the prevention of pollution-related actions in the ports of all sizes in India while including the obligations of India under international treaties; and to fix the lapses in the framework for dispute resolution needed for the growing ports industry and to promote the transparency and co-operation in development as well as other aspects using the using of data.
The Indian Ports Act, 1908 (“Act”) is more than 110 years old.It is vital to ensure that the Act is updated to reflect the modern-day frameworks, include India’s international obligations, deal with new environmental issues, and support the development of consultative processes of the ports industry in the interests of the nation, as stated in an official statement from the Ministry of Ports.
Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has said that the bill will aid in building confidence among the players , thereby growing their participation as well as encouraging healthy competition in the maritime industry.
The proposed Bill will include state-based maritime boards in the framework of national.
Furthermore, Maritime State Development Council will ensure that there is a co-operative federalism, where Centre and states / UT will collaborate towards creating a roadmap for progress for the nation.
The provisions that are redundant of the Act were removed or replaced with current provisions.
Furthermore, the punishments in the Act that are out of date have been revised with regards to the amount and offences that are relevant to present modern day situations.
The Ministry has sought feedback and suggestions regarding the draft IP Bill 2022 from all the stakeholders.
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