In what could go a distance in stopping monopoly practices in cargo-handling by vested interests at Halida port complex robbing the Government and the people of hundreds of crores, ten companies have participated in the tendering process called by the Kolkata Port Trust for cargo handling operations.
These companies are JS Marines, OSl, AM Enterprises, Orissa Manganese & Minerals limited, Global Enterprise, Netincon Marketing Pvt limited, EC Bose & Co, Haldia logistics, Highway Movers and Ripley & Co, sources in the Haldia port authorities said.
The bidding process was initiated following an order from the Narendra Modi Government to tender out cargo handling operations against the backdrop of a reported scam of several thousand crores involving a section of the KoPT and some private operators, all in utter violation of the MPT Act.
The earlier decision to tender out shore handling taken in December 2012 was stone-walled by the vested interests that allegedly lobbied hard with the Shipping Ministry in the previous UPA Government.
Subsequently, orders by the new Government for tendering out the shore handling operations were greeted by law suits filed by Ripley & Company both in Calcutta High Court and Supreme Court. However the Supreme Court last week dismissed an SlP filed by the stated Company seeking to stall bidding, clearing the way for fresh tenders.
The Pioneer had earlier broken the multi-crore scam showing how cargo handling was carried out by vested interests in gross violation of MPT Act causing huge losses to the Government exchequer. Though the issue was repeatedly brought to the notice of earlier Governments hardly any step was taken towards its redressal, sources alleged.
“It was only after Modi Government came to power that the issue the Ministry of Shipping ordered KoPT to float tender for cargo handling operations at Haldia Port” said a whistleblower and a member of Haldia Dock Officers’ Forum.
Hit hard the existing cargo handlers moved Kolkata High Court and got a stay on the tender. However the Division Bench vacated the order of the single Bench and allowed KoPT to proceed with the tender.
“Finally, M/s. Ripley & Co owned by TMC MP Srinjoy Bose moved a Special leave Petition in the Supreme Court, which dismissed the SlP allowing the tender process to be continued” said the HDOF member.