February 08, 2021
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Facing a threat to their existence, stevedores and shore handling agents have urged the Ministry of ports, shipping and waterways to re-consider the policy to privatise the cargo terminals at Centre-owned port trusts, that are run by the State.
Stevedores and shore handling agents load and unload bulk cargo from and onto ships from the major port trusts run non-mechanised, common user facilities after buying licenses from the port authorities by paying an annual fee of ₹4,000 to ₹1 lakh depending on the port.
These entities are engaged directly by the exporters and importers based on competitive quotations to load and unload cargo.