New Delhi, Jul 29 : The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed two Bills–The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and The Inland Vessels Bill, 2021 by voice vote and without discussion amid ruckus by the Opposition over various issues, including Pegasus snooping row and new farm laws.

Amid din, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who moved the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021 for consideration and passing, said the goal of the Government is to provide affordable travel facility to the common people, people living in rural areas and small towns.

‘New airports are being constructed, in which priority will be given to smaller cities,’ he said.

As per the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of

India (Amendment) Bill, 2021 proposes to amend the definition of “major airport” so as extend its scope to determine the tariff for a group of airports also, which will encourage development of smaller airports.

The Bill was passed today by the Lok Sabha by voice vote and without discussion.

After the passage of The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021,

amid din, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal moved The Inland Vessels Bill, 2021 for consideration and passing.

The Bill seeks to promote economical and safe transportation and trade through inland waters.

The Bill also provides for bringing uniformity in application of law relating to inland waterways and navigation within the country as well as to provide for safety of navigation, protection of life and cargo, and prevention of pollution that may be caused by the use or navigation of inland vessels. It will also ensure transparency and accountability of administration of inland water transportation.

The Bill was also passed by voice vote and without discussion amid ruckus by the Opposition over various issues, including Pegasus snooping row and new farm laws.

As the ruckus continued unabated, Kirit Solanki, who was in the Chair, adjourned the House for the day after the passage of the two Bills.(UNI)