Indian Ports Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): A bill providing for adjudicatory mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes, and for effective management of pollution, disaster and emergencies, was introduced in Lok Sabha on Friday.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced 'The Indian Ports Bill, 2025' in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill seeks to consolidate the law relating to ports, promote integrated port development, facilitate ease of doing business and ensure the optimum utilization of India's coastline, establish and empower State Maritime Boards for effective management of ports other than major ports.
It proposes to establish Maritime State Development Council for structured growth and development of the port sector; and provide for the management of pollution, disaster, emergencies, security, safety, navigation, and data at ports; ensure compliance with India's obligations under international instruments.
The Bill seeks to take measures for the conservation of ports; provide for adjudicatory mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes.
Opposing the introduction of the Bill, K Radhakrishnan (CPIM) said it encroaches upon the power of state governments as it seeks to centralise control over ports.
Sougata Ray (TMC) said the Indian Ports Act was enacted in 1908 and at that time all the ports were under the Centre. In recent times, many private ports have come up and parts of government ports have been leased to private companies.
"The present legislation does not appear to be adequate to control the private ports," he said.
Ray said the new adjudicating authority as proposed in the Bill may take away the rights of the workers.
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Bangladeshi student leader Umama Fatema rejects U.S. award over Palestine stance
Dhaka: Umama Fatema, a key student leader in the movement that led to the removal of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has declined the prestigious U.S. International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award in protest against Washington’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The award ceremony, scheduled for April 1, 2025, will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump. Fatema, along with fellow activists, had been selected for the "Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award" for their role in Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising.
However, Fatema criticised the award’s past endorsement of Israeli actions, stating that accepting it would contradict the Palestinian struggle for justice. In a statement on social media, she wrote:
"This collective recognition of women activists is an immense honor for us. However, in October 2023, this same award was used to directly endorse Israel’s brutal attacks on Palestine. By denying the Palestinian liberation struggle, the award has justified Israel’s aggression in a manner that calls its impartiality into question. The Palestinian people have long been deprived of their fundamental human rights, including their right to land. Therefore, out of respect for the Palestinian freedom struggle, I personally reject this award."
She concluded her statement with the slogan: "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free."
