17. Levy and collection of fees and charges.—(1) The Authority may, with the previous approval of
the Central Government, levy fees and charges at such rates as may be laid down by regulations made in
this behalf for services or benefits rendered in relation to the use of the national waterways for the
purposes of shipping, navigation, infrastructural facilities, including facilities for passengers and facilities
relating to the berthing of vessels, handling of cargoes and storage of cargoes.
(2) The fees and charges levied under sub-section (1) shall be collected in such manner as may be
determined by regulations.
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18. Grants and loans by the Central Government.—The Central Government may, after due
appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, make to the Authority grants and loans of such
sums of money as that Government may consider necessary.
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[18A. Borrowing powers of the Authority.—The Authority may, in such manner and subject to
such terms and conditions as may be determined by regulations, borrow money from any source by the
issue of bonds, debentures or other instruments as it may think fit for discharge of all or any of its
functions under the Act.]
19. Constitution of the Fund.—(1) There shall be constituted a Fund to be called the Inland
Waterways Authority of India Fund and there shall be credited thereto—
(a) any grants and loans made to the Authority by the Central Government under section 18;
(b) all fees and charges received by the Authority under this Act; and
(c) all sums received by the Authority from such other sources as may be decided upon by the
Central Government.
(2) The Fund shall be applied for meeting—
(a) salary, allowances and other remuneration of the members, officers and other employees of
the Authority;
(b) expenses of the Authority in the discharge of its functions under section 14; and
(c) expenses on objects and for purposes authorised by this Act.
20. Budget.—The Authority shall prepare, in such form and at such time each financial year as may
be prescribed, its budget for the next financial year, showing the estimated receipts and expenditure of the
Authority and forward the same to the Central Government.
21. Investment of funds.—The Authority may invest its funds (including any reserve fund) in the
securities of the Central Government or in such other manner as may be prescribed.
22. Annual report.—The Authority shall prepare, in such form and at such time each financial year
as may be prescribed, its annual report, giving a full account of its activities during the previous financial
year, and submit a copy thereof to the Central Government.
23. Accounts and audit.—The accounts of the Authority shall be maintained and audited in such
manner as may, in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, be prescribed and the
Authority shall furnish, to the Central Government, before such date as may be prescribed, its audited
copy of accounts together with the auditors’ report thereon.
24. Annual report and auditors’ report to be laid before Parliament.—The Central Government
shall cause the annual report and auditors’ report to be laid, as soon as may be after they are received,
before each House of Parliament.