PMO demands explanation from KoPT & MoS on malpractices in stevedoring operations There has been much hue and cry regarding alleged malpractices in cargo loading and unloading operations at Kolkata Port, where it has been reported that unauthorised agents are carrying out the work, leading to loss of revenue for the government. The vigilance wing of the Ministry of Shipping (MoS) has reportedly sent a letter to the KoPT Chairman, asking him whether the rates charged by the handling agents were approved by the Board of Trustees of the Port and, if not, why. The Ministry has also enquired about the process and criteria for selection and appointment of stevedores, the nature of the licences issued to the agents, the fees charged by the stevedores and whether any action has previously been taken against the offending handlers. As per norms laid down by the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP), the contractor has to share revenue with the Port as per Section 48 of the same Act, but, reportedly, the contractors at KoPT had fixed the charges themselves. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has now come into the picture and asked the MoS and KoPT to furnish details on stevedoring operations. The PMO is said to have asked for details on the stevedores operating at the Port, with their date of appointment and duration of appointment. Both the Ministry and KoPT have been asked to find out if the licences had expired and, if yes, how the companies were still continuing to operate at the Port. Meanwhile, it was also reported that the PMO, in another letter, has asked for details about Haldia Dock Complex, the number of berths under its operation and the number of advisory committees at the Port. Every Major Port is expected to engage handling contractors under Section 42 of the Major Port Trusts Act of 1963. It has been alleged that a single company has been carrying out cargo handling operations at ten out of the 14 berths of the Port without sharing any revenue with KoPT. The CEO of the company has apparently claimed that it was not the only handling contractor doing onshore operations without being chosen by the Port via the tender route; there were other such companies at Major Ports throughout the country.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 06:00:31 +0000
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