Tamil Nadu opposes draft Indian Ports Bill

CHENNAI: Registering its opposition to the draft Indian Ports Bill, 2021, the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday urged the Union government not to disturb in any manner the present system with respect to the powers of the state governments in matters of minor ports.
Addressing the 18th Maritime State Development Council held through video conferencing, Tamil Nadu public works, highways and minor ports minister E V Velu said the provisions of the Bill would have long -term policy implications for coastal states.
“As per the existing Indian Ports Act, 1908, the powers to plan, develop, regulate and control the minor ports vests with the state government. The draft Bill will take away many of these powers from the state government,” the minister said.
As per the provisions, the maritime state development council (MSDC), an advisory body, would become a regulatory body for the minor ports. The composition of the council also would be modified with the inclusion of officials from the Union government.
The powers vested with the state to make rules also will also go to the Union government.
“At present, the appellate powers against the orders of the state maritime board lies with the respective state governments. However, as per the draft Bill, this power will go to the appellate tribunal which has been constituted by the Union government basically for the major ports,” the minister said, adding that the TN government would send detailed comments after scrutiny.