The Hindu Business Line : Kochi box terminal operator clamps down on malpractices

INDIA Gateway Terminal Pvt Ltd (IGTPL), a subsidiary floated by Dubai Port International for the container terminal operations at Kochi Port, is initiating action against the alleged `unethical practices' such as bribery.

This was evident from the suspension of a worker on Thursday for accepting bribe from a clearing agent.

The officials of IGTPL had caught red handed a greaser working in the reach stacker on Wednesday while accepting `speed money' from a clearing agent for a quick cargo clearance. Even though the trailer and stack drivers and greasers working in the gantry berth went on a flash strike in protest against the incident, the trade union leaders have taken the stand not to intervene on the issue.

The leading trade unions in the port, such as the Cochin Port Staff Association (CPSA) and the Cochin Port Employees Organisation (CPEO), have decided not to support the strike, as they were against these kinds of malpractices.

Mr Mohammed Haneef, Working President of the CPSA, said that the association is in the forefront of eliminating corruption in the container terminal and has taken stern steps against offering of `speed money' to port workers by the agents. On the recent incident, Mr Haneef said that the Union had taken the stand not to interfere in the matter and disrupting work unnecessarily as it would affect the image of the port.

The strike had also affected the operations in the terminal for about two hours. Following this, the Port and DPI have intervened to end the strike. It was also decided to conduct an enquiry on the incident. It is also learnt that the company is proceeding against the clearing agent by banning the firm for a certain period, sources in the port said.

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