The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to introduce The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Friday, according to the parliamentary agenda.
The bill seeks to streamline port-related laws, promote integrated port development, and enhance the ease of doing business. It also aims to ensure the efficient use of India’s vast coastline by empowering State Maritime Boards to manage ports other than major ones. Additionally, it will establish the Maritime State Development Council to drive structured growth in the port sector.
The proposed legislation will address key aspects such as pollution control, disaster management, emergency response, security, navigation, and data management at ports. It also aligns India’s maritime regulations with international obligations.
Apart from the Indian Ports Bill, Minister Sonowal is also set to move The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, which defines the responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities of carriers in relation to the transport of goods by sea.
Several other legislative and procedural matters will be addressed in the Lok Sabha today:
- Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs, Health, Defence, and External Affairs will present documents related to their respective ministries.
- Standing Committee Reports on Labour, Textiles, Water Resources, Education, Women and Child Development, and Industry will be tabled.
- Union Minister Manohar Lal will present a statement on emergency expenditure from the Contingency Fund of India for the newly launched Deendayal Jan Aajeevika Yojana (Shehari).
Later in the session, private member resolutions will be debated, including:
- Regulating Airfare: MP Shafi Prambil has proposed a resolution to cap airfare prices and set up a quasi-judicial body to regulate air tariffs.
- Tackling Drug Abuse: MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer will push for stronger measures to combat rising drug abuse in the country.
- Affordable Pesticides for Farmers: MP Parshottambhai Rupala will advocate for the establishment of Jan Kitnasak Kendras, aimed at providing farmers with high-quality pesticides at lower prices.
- Fair Delimitation Process: MP Kodikunnil Suresh will present a resolution to ensure a fair delimitation process that protects the democratic rights of all states, an issue that has sparked debate, particularly in southern states.
As the Lok Sabha session unfolds, key legislative decisions and discussions are expected to shape the country’s maritime and economic policies.