LS passes Dam Safety Bill, minister says no encroachment on powers of states

The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Dam Safety Bill, 2019, which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country.Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during the discussion stated that the Centre had no intention to take rights or powers of states. He said the government aims to bring legislation aimed at enhancing the security of citizens.Replying to the debate on the Dam Safety Bill, 2019, Shekhawat said Modi government was seeking to create a new India in an environment which provides greater security to citizens.He said steps had been taken to enhance road safety, data security and space security.Responding to concerns of several opposition members that states had not been consulted, he said such apprehension may have arisen due to a communication gap.He said the draft bill was sent to states and a meeting was also held with their representatives."There is no top-down approach in Modi government. We work to the philosophy of cooperative ...