13 August 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. Indian Ports Bill, 2025 Passed: Modernising Maritime Governance for a Competitive and Sustainable Future
Source – Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Ministry of Jal Shakti (13 August 2025)
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Topic: GS Paper 3- Infrastructure (Ports), Logistics, Government Policies, Marine Economy |
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Context |
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Content:
Overview & Salient Features
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Modernisation of Port Governance
Replaces archaic provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 1908, to align with contemporary needs. -
Ease of Doing Business (EODB)
Simplifies port procedures and digitalises operations to streamline trade and logistics. -
Sustainability & Resilience
Integrates green initiatives, pollution control, and disaster management protocols. -
Competitiveness & Investment
Introduces transparent tariff norms, enhances investment frameworks, encourages PPPs and foreign investment. -
Logistics Efficiency
Accelerated cargo movement, reduced logistics costs, improved connectivity—benefitting exporters and MSMEs. -
Employment Generation
Expected rise in jobs across port operations, logistics, warehousing, and allied industries.
Institutional Mechanisms
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Maritime State Development Council (MSDC)
A federal–state-level body to harmonise port development policies and strengthen cooperative federalism. -
State Maritime Boards
Empowered to manage non-major ports effectively—a step toward decentralised governance. -
Dispute Resolution Committees
For rapid settlement of conflicts among ports, service providers, and users.
Safety & Environmental Compliance
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Waste Handling Facilities
Mandatory waste reception and processing infrastructure across ports. -
Pollution Control
Aligned with international conventions like MARPOL and Ballast Water Management. -
Emergency Preparedness
All ports must have disaster and security readiness plans. -
Renewable Energy & Shore Power
Promotion of eco-friendly practices through use of shore power to reduce emissions.
Strategic Alignment
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The Bill dovetails with existing government initiatives like the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030, reinforcing India’s vision of ports as engines of sustainable economic growth and global trade leadership by 2047.
Way Forward
The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, is a transformative legislative reform aimed at modernising India’s maritime infrastructure and governance. With a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness, the bill supports MSME growth, regional development, and global trade integration. Establishing forward-looking institutions like the MSDC and State Maritime Boards helps ensure coordinated planning, while environmental and safety mandates signal a commitment to responsible development. To fully realise its potential, effective implementation, intergovernmental collaboration, capacity building, and monitoring mechanisms will be vital.
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Practice Question: “Critically examine the key provisions of the Indian Ports Bill, 2025. How does this legislation aim to bolster India’s maritime competitiveness while addressing sustainability and cooperative federalism? Discuss potential implementation challenges.” |
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