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8 hours ago
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The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 through voice vote following a walkout by the Opposition and a two-hour-long discussion in the afternoon.
The Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 12, seeks to modernise the outdated provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 1908, promote integrated port development, facilitate businesses and ensure utilisation of India’s coastline. It was introduced in the Upper House amid noisy protests by the Opposition, demanding discussion on electoral rolls revision in Bihar, as soon as the session resumed post lunch. BJD’s Sasmit Patra was in the Chair.
Replying to the discussion on the Bill, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the ministry was neglected by the Congress. Referring to the Opposition walkout just before the discussion on the Bill started, Sonowal said: “The role of Opposition is not only to oppose but they always possess two important qualities of responsibility and responsiveness.”
Sonowal said the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 has been brought after wider consultations with all stakeholders, all coastal states and users of ports. Sonowal said the Bill decriminalises certain offences and removes outdated provisions, while ushering in more transparency in port tariff.
It also provides for the management of pollution, disaster, emergencies, security, safety, navigation and data at ports, ensures compliance with India’s obligations under international instruments and provides for mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes. It replaces the outdated provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
Assam Gana Parishad’s Birendra Prasad Baishya supported the Bill and said it aims to make Indian ports stronger. NCP leader Praful Patel also supported the Bill, saying if India has to become the third largest economy in the world, it cannot happen without infrastructure development, especially the ports, which are crucial for exports and imports.
AIADMK MP Thambidurai, speaking on the Bill, alleged that narcotics are being imported into Tamil Nadu after the DMK came to power. DMK’s Tiruchi Siva objected to certain words used by the AIADMK MP, which were expunged by the Chair.
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