The Indian Parliament is set to witness a significant development in the maritime sector with the introduction of the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha.
This landmark legislation aims to consolidate and amend existing laws governing coastal shipping, with a strategic focus on boosting domestic maritime trade, enhancing India’s coastal fleet, and reinforcing national security. The bill, set to be presented by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, represents a pivotal step towards revitalising India’s coastal shipping industry. It seeks to foster greater domestic participation, encouraging Indian citizens to own and operate coastal vessels, thereby reducing dependence on foreign shipping services and strengthening the country’s maritime capabilities.
According to a senior government official, the Coastal Shipping Bill is designed to create a more robust regulatory framework that not only promotes commercial growth but also aligns with India’s broader maritime strategy. “The legislation aims to provide a competitive edge to domestic shipping, facilitating the efficient movement of goods along India’s extensive coastline,” the official explained. This legislative move comes in the wake of India’s growing emphasis on developing sustainable and eco-friendly transportation networks. Coastal shipping, known for its lower carbon footprint compared to road and rail transport, plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmentally sustainable logistics solutions.
The bill also addresses key challenges faced by the coastal shipping sector, including outdated regulatory practices, limited infrastructure, and the need for modernisation in port facilities. By streamlining regulatory procedures and enhancing the ease of doing business, the legislation is expected to attract significant investments in the maritime industry. Experts in the field of maritime trade view this development as a critical step towards realising India’s vision of becoming a global maritime hub. The legislation is expected to facilitate the growth of a vibrant domestic shipping industry, create employment opportunities, and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative by encouraging the construction of vessels within the country.
In addition to the Coastal Shipping Bill, the Lok Sabha will also deliberate on the sixth report of the Standing Committee on External Affairs, which focuses on the welfare of the Indian diaspora overseas. This report aims to address issues related to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and migrant workers, highlighting the government’s commitment to the welfare of its global citizens. Moreover, the Union Agriculture Minister will provide an update on the implementation status of recommendations from the second report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing. This report focuses on the demands for grants pertaining to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, underscoring the government’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and food security.
The Lok Sabha will also review multiple reports from the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), with a particular focus on the formulation and implementation of reservation policies. These reports aim to evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes designed to promote social justice and secure adequate representation of OBCs in employment and various government departments. The Coastal Shipping Bill, alongside these key reports, reflects a broader legislative agenda aimed at strengthening India’s socio-economic fabric. By fostering sustainable economic growth, enhancing national security, and promoting inclusive development, these initiatives are poised to play a transformative role in shaping the future of India’s maritime and socio-political landscape.
As the debates unfold in the Lok Sabha, the focus will be on how effectively these legislative measures can address the challenges of today while laying a strong foundation for India’s future in maritime trade and governance.
India Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 Set to Transform Maritime Industry
