As many as 198 lighthouses across the country will get payments online in return for navigational aids provided to ships across India. The Ministry of Shipping decided to make the collection on lighthouse dues online for enhanced transparency and efficiency in the payment processes.
Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the decision to make payment online is in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India drive.
“Till now, sailing ships were forced to make payments manually for navigational aids provided by lighthouses as per an outdated law of 1927, causing the ships to remain stranded for 2-3 days. Now, the online system will not only result in removing hardships faced by foreign flags, but result in ease of business as promised by the PM,” Gadkari explained at the launch of the online-payment portal.
The Shipping Ministry has tied up with Syndicate Bank for online collection of lighthouse dues. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has made first such online payment.
Terming it as “a major step” towards e-governance, Gadkari said the plan to convert lighthouses and 1,300 islands into tourist spots will lead to generation of revenue, thus bolstering economic growth.
“Efforts are also on to convert some 1,300 islands and all light houses into tourist attractions in a bid to tap their vast untapped potential,” Gadkari said.
“The islands will feature water sports, resorts, light-and-sound shows to bring in tourists,” he said.
The Minister added that so far, 15 lighthouses, including Mahabalipuram, Chennai, Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Konark and Kanhoji Angre have been identified, and Il&FS has done the feasibility study.
Director General of lighthouses & lightships (DGll) Captain AM Surej said online collection will avoid the delay caused by manual mode of payment and enable ship owners to secure prompt light dues clearances from the Customs and port authorities