Title: Need to waive basic customs duty on import of ships.
SHRI KASHIRAM RANA (SURAT): The ship recycling industry a green industry which helped to provide direct employment to over 40,000 workers and much more in indirect employment. This industry which made India prominent as World’s top ship recycling industry has shown declining trend during last few years. One of the reasons for this decline is unfavourable duty, structure, as compared to other neighbouring countries. Because of higher Custom Duty, ships have been diverted and ultimately the loss of huge revenue. The Government of Gujarat has represented to Central Government many times to reduce the Custom Duty on import of ships from 5% to 0%. The Government of India has not accepted the proposal of the Government of Gujarat on the pretext that Government of India will lose revenue. Hence, the Government of India is requested to reconsider the proposal and reduce the basic Custom Duty from 5% to 0% which will help to increase import of more ships and in turn Government of India will also get more revenue by way of Excise Duty. Moreover, our industry can generate thousands of new employment easily.
I also urge upon the Government to take some positive steps and give some instructions for survivors of this dying industry.