(a) whether the Government is aware of the setting up of the Odisha State Maritime Board;
(b) whether the Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2021 does not contain any provision to include a State Maritime Board constituted at a later date by a State enactment and if so, the reasons for such omission; and
(c) whether the draft Indian Ports Bill amplifies 2021 the powers of the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC); if so, the details and the reasons therefor?
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The draft of Indian Ports bill, 2021 vide Chapter V requires every State Government to constitute a State Maritime Board for all non-major ports by way of notification in the official gazette within six months from the date of commencement of the Bill.
(c) The draft of the Bill propose to statutory empower the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) to become the nodal agency for coordinated development of all ports (major and non-major ports) in India. The Bill is aimed at synergy between Coastal States and Centre through collaborative effort through integrated approach for development of Ports. The proposed legislation is under consultative stage.
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