Policy Guidelines for Land Management by Major Ports unveiled

Bhubaneswar: Following the approval of
the Union Cabinet, Union Shipping Secretary Dr Vishwapati Trivedi on Thursday
formally unveiled Policy Guidelines for Land Management by Major Ports in
Mumbai. It provides for a transparent mechanism for leasing and licensing of land
in possession of Major Ports.

However
the Policy Guidelines will not be applicable to the township areas of Kandla,
Mumbai and Kolkata Ports.

The
Policy guideline was a product of widespread consultative process undertaken
with various stake-holders, including different Ministries. The Policy
Guidelines weree expected to give significant fillip to Major Ports and help
them to attract more business and make optimum use of their land resources.
These policy guidelines are part of the series of reform measures initiated by
the Ministry of Shipping to promote investment and efficiency in operations in
the Major Ports.

Recently
the Ministry had come out with new Tariff guidelines, procedures to streamline
security clearances and other measures to expedite approval to PPP projects.

Under
the Policy Guidelines, the dominant method of allotment will be done through
the tender-cum-auction methodology; land can be allotted to Government and security
agencies and Joint Ventures of PSUs/Statutory Authorities on nomination basis.

Besides,
inside the custom bonded areas there will be short term licenses, maximum upto five
years. Outside the custom bonded areas, long-term leases, maximum upto 30 years
can be granted by Ports. Beyond 30 years, the proposals will be recommended by
the Empowered Committee Mechanism and approved by the Ministry of Shipping.

The
PPP projects will be granted
land automatically on licence basis along with Project approval.

A
concessional regime has been prescribed in respect of land allotted to
Government schools and colleges and for Government organizations engaged in
essential Port services and core security functions.

The
Policy also provides for a renewal mechanism for existing lessees. In respect
of agreements providing for renewal, the leases are to be renewed at the latest
schedule of rates. In respect of agreements, not providing for renewal, the
leases are to be put on tender-cum-auction, with the first right of refusal to
the existing lessees.

The
Policy also provides guidelines for mortgages, sub-leases, transfer of lease
and Right of way permissions

The
Policy has many provisions to ensure transparency and accountability in the
management of Port land.