Lok Sabha Passes Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Amendment Bill & The Inland Vessels Bill

The Lok Sabha today passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill 2021 and The Inland Vessels Bill 2021 without any discussion.

Amidst protests of opposition members in the well, Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia moved the Bill. He said the bill thrusts upon the increase of air traffic and related economic activities across the country including tier-two and tier-three cities.

The Minister said after the launch of the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN, aviation activities have been increased manifold in the country.

Mr. Scindia said several small airports like Darbhanga, Belgaum, Jharsuguda were rejuvenated after the inception of the UDAN scheme. Amid pandemonium, the Bill was passed.

Even though the House was witnessing protests from agitating members, the Inland Vessels Bill 2021 was taken up and was also passed without discussion. The bill replaces the



Inland Vessels Act, 1917.

Moving the bill in the House Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the 1917 Act was obsolete in the emerging scenario. He said the Inland Vessels Bill 2021 seeks fast, safe, and economical inter-state movement of vessels through inland waterways. Mr. Sonowal said it will help in boosting commerce and economic activities and national integration besides bringing uniformity in the application of the law relating to inland waterways and navigation within the country.

The Minister said it will help in catalyzing a new regime of inland vessels movement. He said the bill also aims to bring transparency and accountability to the administration of inland water transportation.

N.K. Premachandran of RSP opposed the passing of the Inland Vessels Bill 2021. The RSP member said since the House is not in order so it is not proper to pass the bill, but the demand was rejected by Presiding Officer.