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The government of India has provided clarity, stating that there are currently no discussions regarding the privatisation of shipping and ports. This announcement comes after two years of speculation surrounding potential privatisation plans. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) reiterated this stance to the parliament, emphasising that all 12 Major Ports, fully owned by the Central Government, remain unaffected by privatisation.
However, the government remains open to Private Sector Participation (PSP) through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Under these arrangements, private entities can partake in specific projects, berths, and terminals through concession agreements. These agreements, established for a defined period, involve a competitive bidding process and typically include a revenue-sharing or royalty arrangement between the concessionaire and the Major Port Authority.
Despite the global trend towards privatisation and economic transformations, the Indian government maintains a cautious approach. This approach is particularly significant amid the ongoing transformative changes observed in the shipping and port sectors worldwide.
In a related development, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), addressed queries about the privatisation of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). While acknowledging delays in the privatisation process, Pandey affirmed that it remains a viable option.
Additionally, KV Subramanian, former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, hinted at a potential acceleration in disinvestment activities post-elections.
The government's commitment to PPPs underscores its strategy to attract private investments while retaining control over critical infrastructure assets.
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