The India Shipping Ministry is expected to introduce a proposed new edition of the Inland Vessel Act in the summer session of Parliament.
The new version of the 100-year-old Act has been sent to the law ministry for its approval. Once the bill is approved, it will be sent to the cabinet for consent, after which it will be introduced in Parliament, an official disclosed.
The Inland Vessel Act deals with inland water limits, safety of vessels, employment, control of pollution and insurance matters, among others. Under the proposed new law, the government wants to introduce changes pertaining to the extension of inland water limits, division of work between the Centre and states and higher penalties and fines in case of accidents and lapses.
