Source: The post is based on the article “Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022 issued for Stakeholder Consultation” published in PIB on 18th August 2022.
What is the News?
The government of India has issued Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022 for stakeholder consultation.
What is the Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022?
The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the existing Indian Ports Act 1908, which is more than 110 years old, becoming imperative that the Act is revamped to reflect the present-day frameworks.
Key Objectives of the Bill
– Promote integrated planning between States inter-se and Centre-States through a purely consultative and recommendatory framework;
– Ensure prevention of pollution measures for all ports in India while incorporating India’s obligations under international treaties;
– Address lacunae in the dispute resolution framework required for the burgeoning ports sector;
– Usher in transparency and cooperation in the development and other aspects through the use of data.
Key Provisions of the Bill
It empowers and establishes State Maritime Boards for effective administration, control and management of non-major ports in India.
It provides for adjudicatory mechanisms for redressal of port-related disputes and establishes a national council for fostering structured growth and development of the port sector.
The redundant provisions of the Act have been deleted or replaced with contemporaneous provisions.
It ensures compliance with the country’s obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party.
Further, existing penalties in the Act which are outdated have been updated with respect to amounts and offences relevant to present-day scenarios.
Significance of Ports in India
India has a 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and a strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.
About 95% of India’s trade by volume and 65% by value is done through maritime transport facilitated by ports.
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