Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 Introduced in Lok Sabha Amid Protests

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd Dec. A Bill aimed at promoting coastal trade and increasing the participation of Indian-flagged vessels owned and operated by Indian citizens was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, seeks to enhance national security and meet commercial needs.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented the Bill amid noisy protests from opposition members, who were voicing their concerns over the recent violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal and the ongoing Adani issue. Despite the disruption, Sandhya Ray, who was chairing the proceedings, invited Congress members Manish Tewari and Gaurav Gogoi to speak, but they refused, citing the disorder in the House.

Opposition members have the opportunity to speak at the introduction stage if they wish to oppose a Bill. However, despite the protests, the Coastal Shipping Bill was introduced following a voice vote.

This Bill is one of the five new measures planned for introduction by the government during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.