(a) whether the Union Government have decided to set up a special group to go into the question of granting infrastructure status to the Shipping Industry;
(b) if so, the composition of the said group alongwith its terms and reference;
(c) the details of other points to be studied; and
(d) the time by which the report of the study group is likely to be submitted ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT
(DR. DEBENDRA PRADHAN )
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) & (d) The Shipping Policy Committee, in its report, has recommended that the shipping industry must be recognised as an export industry at par with other industries. Government have initiated action on the above recommendation and also for the following fiscal and financial incentives to help the shipping industry :
(i) Enhancement of depreciation from 20% to 40%.
(ii) Tax relief to Indian seafarers.
(iii) Coastal shipping to be declared as an infrastructure industry.