Context: Recently, the Ministry of Shipping has issued the draft of the Aids to Navigation Bill, 2020 for suggestions from the stakeholders and general public.

• It is done in accordance with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for augmenting people’s participation and transparency in governance. 
• The draft bill is uploaded on the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships website where citizens can submit their suggestions and opinions regarding the draft bill. 

Key Highlights of the Draft Bill

• Objective: The Bill is proposed to replace the colonial Lighthouse Act, 1927 to incorporate the best global practices, technological developments and India’s International obligations in the field of Aids to Marine Navigation.
• Contemporary approach: It is part of the proactive approach adopted by the Ministry of Shipping by repealing archaic colonial laws and replacing it with modern and contemporary needs of the maritime industry. It also provides for identification and development of heritage lighthouses. 
• Functions to Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL): It has provisions for empowering Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) with additional power and functions such as Vessel Traffic Service, Wreck flagging, training and certification, implementation of other obligations under International Conventions, where India is a signatory.
• Penalty for offences: It provides a new schedule of offences, along with commensurate penalties for obstructing and damaging the aids to navigation, and non-compliance with directives issued by the Central Government and other bodies. 

Need for new legislation

• The role of authorities regulating and operating maritime navigation has changed drastically in the age of modern technology and improved aids which eases maritime navigation.
• Therefore the new law encompasses a major shift from lighthouses to modern aids of navigation which will keep pace with changing technology. 

About Lighthouse Act of 1927

• It is an act which has the provision for maintenance and control of lighthouses. It was enacted by the Britishers in 1927.

Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships

• It is a subordinate office under the Ministry of Shipping. Its mission is to help the mariners and local fishermen to navigate safely in the Indian waters. It provides General Aids to Marine Navigation along the Indian coast. 
• It has headquarters at Noida. (U.P.) and for administrative control, the entire coastline has been divided into Nine Districts having their regional headquarters at Gandhidham, Jamnagar, Mumbai, Goa, Cochin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata and Port Blair.