(a) the details and status of operationalisation of the SAROD-Ports;
(b) whether dispute resolution under SAROD-Ports will be mandatory for all major ports in India and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the number and details of concessionaires who have opted SAROD-Ports so far?
(a) Yes, Sir. In order to seek speedy, affordable, just and reasonable Redressal of Dispute/ Differences between Major Port Trusts and Concessionaire/Contractor arising out of and during the course of execution of various contracts, a Society for Affordable Resolution of Disputes - Ports (SAROD-Ports) has been formed under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 on 30th January, 2020. The formation of SAROD-Ports aims at enhancing confidence of concessionaire and promoting ease of doing business in the Maritime Sector. The status of operationalisation of the SAROD Ports is as follows:
i) 32 Arbitrators have been empanelled in SAROD- Ports.
ii) SAROD- Ports Arbitration Rules and Code of Conduct have been finalized.
iii) The Major Port Trusts have been requested to start referring cases of disputes/ differences with the Concessionaires for resolution.
(b) The revised Model Concession Agreement duly approved by the Cabinet in January, 2018 provides for supplementary agreement to be executed between the concessionaire and the Ports to the effect that in case, the dispute between them is not resolved amicably, the same is to be settled by arbitration through SAROD- Ports.
(c) In view of the reply at (b) above, this question is not applicable.
********