With HBT out, KoPT ‘suffers’ loss of Rs 18 cr since Sept

Work on berths 2 and 8 remains suspended

The KoPT has suffered a net loss of Rs 18-crore from berth number 2 and 8 since September, after the ABG-led HBT pull out from Haldia, according to KoPT officials.

The issue was discussed at the Board of Trustees meeting held on November 29.

Senior KoPT officials said that in 2011-12 the net profit earned from berths 2 and 8 was around Rs 37 crore, while, according to an estimate the net profit for 2012-13 will be Rs 19 crore.

Officials said that till now the work of berths 2 and 8 has been suspended and tenders have been invited for them. However, the final decision to award the contract is still pending.

They said the final board meeting has been called on December 13 when some concrete decisions will be taken based on the resolution of the earlier meeting on how to increase the profit of the port.

Manish Jain, chairman of KOPT, however, did not divulge any details and said: "We do not discuss board resolutions in public."

Meanwhile, the board of trustees also recommended transfer of junior assistant manager of KoPT Ramakanta Burman, allegedly for disclosing facts to the media. It was mentioned in the resolution that "Burman has been bringing in public domain operational matters of KoPT through several forums and also divulging facts to the media." The trustees have decided to transfer him to Delhi.

The trustees observed that "his presence in the region is not conducive for normal functioning of the port. His recent activities have only brought embarrassment to the port and damaged the prestige thereby affecting its business potential. Considering his indulgence in such activities as an officer of the port, the trustees recommend that the headquarter of Burman be shifted outside the state preferably to Indian Ports Association, Delhi."

... contd.

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