NEW DELHI, AUG 1 (UNI) Rajya Sabha on Monday passed ‘The Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022’ which seeks to give a regulatory framework for India’s research activities in the Antarctic and protect the Antarctic environment. The proceedings of the House were adjourned for the day soon after the passing of the Bill. The Bill was already cleared by Lok Sabha on July 22.
The Bill, introduced in the House by Minister of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh was cleared with a voice vote amid noisy protests by Opposition MPs on various issues including the alleged misuse of central agencies and the arrest of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut by Enforcement Directorate. The House rejected the demand by Opposition members to send the Bill to the Select Committee. The Opposition demanded a division for sending the Bill to the Select Committee, it was, however, called off by the Chair due to many Opposition MPs protesting in the well of the House. Chairing the post-lunch session, Bhubaneswar Kalita said a division cannot be allowed until the protesting MPs go back to their seats.
The Indian Antarctic Bill seeks to give effect to the Antarctic Treaty, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The provisions of the Bill will apply to any person, vessel, or aircraft that is a part of an Indian expedition to Antarctica under a permit issued under the Bill.
