The Lok Sabha today took up the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024 for consideration and passing. It seeks to replace the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856 which provides a legal framework for issuance of bills of lading. A bill of lading refers to a document issued by a freight carrier to a shipper. It contains details including the type, quantity, condition, and destination of goods being carried.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal moved the bill in the House. He said the Bill is very important for the shipping sector, particularly to enhance trading and commercial activities.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Minister Sushri Shobha Karandlaje said that over 30 crore 68 lakh unorganised workers have been registered on e-Shram Portal.
The portal was launched in 2021 for creation of a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers. He also informed that of the total registered workers, more than 53 per cent are women. He said, so far, 13 schemes of different Central Ministries and Departments have already been integrated with the e-Shram. This include PM-SVANidhi, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin and Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
