PANAJI
Even as the dust is yet to settle on the controversial Major Ports Authorities Bill 2020, the Goa government has sought views from key players in the State on the proposed draft Indian Port Bill, 2021.
The Captain of Ports has given one week's time and called for views and suggestions on the proposed draft bill from the Confederation of Indian Industries, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Shipbuilding Associations, Shipyard Associations and Barge Owners Associations.
The central government had passed the Major Ports Authorities Bill 2020 in Lok Sabha which gives more autonomy to Port Trusts governing 12 major ports in India and diluting the powers of elected governments.
Now, Centre planning to bring in the Indian Ports Bill 2021 dealing with the management of minor ports.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has already opposed the draft bill saying that it will dilute the powers vested with the States.
He has already written to Chief Ministers of eight coastal States (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal) and Union Territory Puducherry urging them to express their objections to the new Draft Indian Ports Bill 2021.
As per the existing Indian Ports Act, 1908, except 12 major ports in the country the powers to plan, develop, regulate and control the minor ports vests with the State governments concerned.
However, the minor port management will become more autonomous with the introduction of the new bill.
Addressing the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting on Thursday, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Port, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya stressed the need for the 'Indian Port Bill 2021', the Minister requested State governments to see the Indian Port Bill as a development issue and not as a political issue.
He highlighted that the ‘Indian Port Bill 2021’ will facilitate to have optimum management and utilization of the coastline by way of participation by both the Union Government and Maritime States/Union Territories.
MSDC will advise on the planning of all ports including Major Ports. In addition, several conventions pertaining to safety, security, and prevention of pollution are incorporated in IP Bill 2021 for the implementation of all requirements stipulated in such conventions by all ports.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports Michael Lobo along with counterparts from other coastal States and union territories.
What was Lobo’s viewpoint at the MSDC meet is not known.
The key items discussed during the meeting are Indian Port bill 2021, National Maritime Heritage Museum (NMHC), Rail and Road connectivity with Ports, Floating Jetties for Marine Operations and Sea Plane Operations, Sagarmala Projects and National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) projects.
