Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 To Be Introduced In Lok Sabha Today

New Delhi, Apr 1 (KNN) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will introduce the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha today.

The legislation aims to consolidate and amend existing regulations related to coastal shipping, with the primary goal of promoting coasting trade and enhancing domestic participation in the sector.

The bill seeks to ensure that India develops a robust coastal fleet owned and operated by its citizens, addressing both national security concerns and commercial requirements.

This move is part of broader efforts to strengthen India's maritime capabilities and infrastructure.

In a separate development, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and BJP's Mitesh Patel Bakabhai will present the sixth report of the Standing Committee on External Affairs concerning 'Indian Diaspora Overseas including NRIs, PIOs, OCIs and Migrant Workers.'

The comprehensive report, led by Tharoor, is expected to cover various aspects of the Indian diaspora's conditions and welfare, including an assessment of the status of the Emigration Bill.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is scheduled to make a statement regarding the implementation status of recommendations contained in the second report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing.

This statement pertains specifically to demands for grants related to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Additionally, Ganesh Singh and Ramvir Singh Bhiduri will present multiple reports from the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes, as listed in the day's business agenda.

These reports will examine various measures and schemes implemented by the government for OBC welfare. The committee's seventh report will specifically focus on the formulation and implementation of reservation policies for OBCs and initiatives to secure their representation in employment across government departments.

According to sources, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Lok Sabha will also convene a meeting today, which will likely outline the legislative calendar for upcoming parliamentary sessions.

(KNN Bureau)