New Delhi: Amid the continuous din, Rajya Sabha passed the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill on Tuesday. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh approved the Bill through voice vote.
Union Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the navigation system of India needs to be aligned with the global standards.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh requested members to go back to their seats, while the Bill was taken up for voting. MPs ventured into the Well of the House raising slogans and holding placards. BJP MP Jugalsinh Lokhandwala extended support for the Bill after concluding his speech.
In March 2021, the Bill was passed in Lok Sabha. Apart from the change in usage of the term marine aids to navigation, the Bill intends to create a new framework to establish and manage vessel traffic services. Lighthouses have been planned to be turned into tourist spots. The colonial-era Lighthouse Act 1927 is to be repealed and the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) would be empowered with additional power and functions.
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