Monsoon Session: Rajya Sabha Debates Ports Bill Amid Opposition Walkout

The Rajya Sabha took up the Indian Ports Bill 2025 on Monday, a landmark legislation aimed at revolutionizing India’s port sector, despite a dramatic walkout by Opposition members protesting unrelated issues. Introduced by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the bill seeks to consolidate port-related laws, promote integrated development, enhance ease of doing business, and optimize India’s vast coastline.

The bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha on August 12, was moved for discussion in the Upper House amid chaos. BJD’s Sasmit Patra, presiding over the session, announced that the Business Advisory Committee had allocated three hours for the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, and one hour for the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, post-Lok Sabha approval. However, when Sonowal rose to introduce the Indian Ports Bill, Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge demanded a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, joined by other Opposition MPs.

The Chair’s refusal to entertain the demand triggered noisy protests and sloganeering, culminating in the Opposition staging a walkout. Undeterred, the Rajya Sabha proceeded with the bill’s discussion. Sonowal outlined its objectives, emphasizing the creation of State Maritime Boards to manage non-major ports effectively and the establishment of the Maritime State Development Council to drive structured growth in the port sector.

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The bill addresses critical areas, including pollution control, disaster management, security, safety, navigation, and data management at ports. It ensures compliance with India’s international obligations, promotes conservation, and introduces mechanisms for resolving port-related disputes. By fostering streamlined operations and modern infrastructure, the legislation aims to bolster India’s maritime economy, supporting trade and coastal development.

The Opposition’s walkout drew criticism on platforms like X, with users like @IndiaMaritime arguing it undermined constructive debate on a bill vital for economic growth. As the Rajya Sabha debates the bill, its passage could mark a significant step toward modernizing India’s port infrastructure, though political tensions may complicate consensus-building.

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