The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) Bill, 2017 received Parliamentary approval with the Rajya Sabha adopting it by voice vote today. <br/><br/>The Lok Sabha passed it earlier. The Bill is aimed at establishing and declaring the FDDI as an institution of national importance for the promotion and development of quality and excellence in education, research and training in all disciplines relating to footwear and leather products, design and development. <br/><br/>Replying to a brief discussion, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitaraman rejected the opposition allegations over the non-availability of leather in the market. She said that the government is making all out efforts to ensure a regulated supply of leather. <br/><br/>The Minister further said that the 12 institutes across the country are well spread out with seven of them fully functional. She said several international institutes are helping in framing the content and curriculum of the FDDI, adding that of the four lakh pass-outs, 3.27 lakh have been employed in various footwear companies through campus placements.<br/><br/>The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2017 was also passed by the Rajya Sabha.<br/><br/>The Lok Sabha passed it earlier in March. The Bill aims to establish a legal framework to consolidate the existing laws relating to admiralty jurisdiction of courts, admiralty proceedings on maritime claims, arrest of vessels and related issues while providing protection to owners, charterers, operators, crew members and seafarers at the same time. <br/><br/>It also aims to replace archaic laws which are hindering efficient governance. The Bill confers admiralty jurisdiction on High Courts located in coastal states of India and this jurisdiction extends up to territorial waters. <br/><br/>Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya said India is the only country that has an ocean named after it and that the country is using sea routes for over 4000 years without having a maritime law of its own. The Minister said though loss of life is given priority in eventualities, the ship is also more important. <br/><br/>He also said that the government will consider setting up a tribunal for pre-litigation claims.