Stakeholders demand appointment of permanent chairman for PPT

Various stakeholders of Paradip Port Trust have levelled charges of mismanagement, irregularities and nepotism in the running of the port and demanded appointment of a permanent chairman to prevent possible labour unrest.
Chairman-in-charge PPT, M T Krishna Babu, however, refuted the allegations and said business or traffic at the port has not been affected.
Paradip Port Stevedores Association (PPSA), Dumper Owners' Association (DOA), Heavy Equipment Association (HEA), Paradip Port Workers Union (PPWA) and Paradip Industrial Workers Association (PIWA) have sought an appointment with Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari to apprise him of the problem.
Association leaders at a press conference last night alleged that Paradip Port Trust (PPT) authorities have been promoting interest of a few private players in contravention of provisions of the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963.

"Paradip Port, which was one of the best in the country in terms of cargo handling, is now witnessing sharp fall in cargo movement due to irregularities," PPSA President Mahimanada Mishra claimed.
Describing the situation as "alarming" and "posing threat" to the existence of Paradip Port, he stated only one ship is berthed in the entire port today whereas few months back, ships had a waiting time of up to nine days to get a berth.