The Hindu Business Line : Calcutta Customs to upgrade Haldia dock outfit

The West Bengal Government too took up the issue with the Union Finance Ministry, which formed an inter-ministerial group to examine it. The group, also including representatives from the Shipping Ministry, strongly recommended upgradation.

Once the Haldia Customs outfit is fully upgraded, all work relating to appraisal will be undertaken at Haldia itself. Right now, it is being done in Kolkata. Also, the Haldia office would be headed by an official of the rank of Additional Commissioner. At present, it is headed by a Joint Commissioner.

Mr M.L. Meena, Deputy Chairman of Haldia Dock, told Business Line that certain types of work, particularly those relating to amendments, were already being undertaken by the Haldia office of the Customs.

Meanwhile, some shipping lines are believed to have expressed reservation about the proposed upgradation, questioning the rationale of two Customs offices in the same port.

After all, the Haldia dock is part of the Kolkata port. Besides, as it is pointed out, the proposed arrangement will add to the cost.

Reacting sharply to the objection, Mr Meena said, "Only vested interests are opposed to the upgradation of the Haldia office of the Customs."

More than the shipping lines, it was the Customs and handling agents, particularly a section of them, who were against upgradation as they would be required to open offices at Haldia also, he said. "Only those who have vested interests in Kolkata will oppose upgradation of the Haldia dock's Customs office," added Mr Meena.