Cabinet nod for changes in Major Port Authorities Bill

The Cabinet today approved amendments to the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2016 which will allow the port authorities to create specific master plan for development of infrastructure, said an official release.
The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has approved" the incorporation of the official amendments to the bill, which is pending in Parliament.
The Amendments are based on the recommendations of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee, the release said.
The board of each major port, as per the proposed amendment, would "be entitled to create specific master plan in respect of any development or infrastructure established or proposed to be established within the port limits and the land appurtenant thereto and such master plan shall be independent of any local or state government regulations of any authority whatsoever".

Another amendment proposed relates to number of labour representatives and independent members in the Port Authority Board.
"The member representing the interest of the employees shall hold office for a term of three years and shall not hold office for more than two consecutive terms and his Board membership is co-terminus with his retirement" is another amendment proposed.