New Delhi: Rajya Sabha passed the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021 amid the continuous din. The Bill was passed through voice vote. It is the fifth Bill passed in the Upper House without discussion.
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India, Sarbanand Sonowal said the Inland Vessels Act 1972 is absolute and there is the need to address the complexity of the sector. The Bill is to promote inland trade. Members have raised contention on the Central government infringing on the State government's powers and many raised concerns over the traditional movement of fisherfolks. Sonowal rebuffed it and said that the proposed Bill would generate more employment, revenue and economic development.
The Bill envisages regulation of inland vessel navigation by states including vessels registration and safe transportation of goods and passengers. A uniform regulatory framework for inland vessel navigation throughout India is to be brought out through the Bill. However, states will have to issue survey certificates for vessels to ferry through inland waterways.
The Bill also brings in legislation on the minimum number of people vessels must-have for particular roles. The first offence will attract Rs 10,000 and the second offence will attract Rs 25,000 as penalties. A central database, electronic centralised record of data on inland vessels including details on registration of vessels, crew and certificates issued are also proposed through the Bill.
While the Bill was passed, Opposition parties created ruckus, continued sloganeering. Opposition parties have been pressing on Pegasus row, farm laws, Covid crisis since the commencement of the Monsoon Session.
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