(a) whether the Government propose to amend Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 to bring supporting infrastructure at major ports;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government have prepared any scheme for the privatisation of or setting up for joint ventures-involving major ports;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the measures proposed to implement these schemes?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT
( DR. DEBENDRA PRADHAN )
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The Major Port Trusts (Amendment) Bill, 1998 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 4th December, 1998. The Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport and Tourism. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport and Tourism has presented its report to the Rajya Sabha on 8.3.1999 and tabled it in the Lok Sabha on 4.3.1999. The said Committee has recommended the proposed amendments as detailed in its report.
(c) to (e) The Government have issued guidelines for private sector participation in the Major Ports and for Joint Venture formations involving Major Ports. A number of private sector projects have been approved. A list of such projects is annexed.