School kids can go on port visit once a week from April
New land policy unveiled by ministry to ensure transparency in ops and speed up investment, says Vasan.
Chennai: Union shipping minister G.K. Vasan said all 12 major ports in the country would keep their doors open for school children one day a week from April.
“In order to sensitise school children about port activities and also create awareness about imports and exports, they will be given a guided tour inside the port. But it will be done only after proper planning with adequate safety measures,” he told reporters here on Tuesday.
The shipping minister said the school authorities should touch base with port chairman and plan the trip accordingly.
“As a pilot project, we have started allowing school children inside Mumbai port,” he added. Vasan further suggested that a separate lift be provided for people to get down the lighthouse in Chennai, as the number of visitors increases in the evening leading to delay in closing the facility.
On the new land policy that is expected to bring more investments into ports, the shipping minister said the policy would also bring transparency in port operations.
“I am happy that the new policy was approved by the Cabinet during my tenure as shipping minister. This policy will increase the work load of port officials, as more projects will come into port premises,” said Vasan.
The shipping minister also spoke about the necessity of successful talks between India and Sri Lanka on the fishermen issue and reiterated the need for unity among all political parties with regard to the welfare of the fishermen community.
“We only wish and pray that all fishermen are released and boats are returned. The Centre is doing a great job and we hope things will improve after the talks,” he added.