Visakhapatnam: A parliamentary standing committee of the Rajya Sabha in its report had pointed that it is apprehensive of the fate of the DCI as it has been made a scapegoat in Sethu Samudram Channel Project and in placing a purchase order for the third dredger. The committee recommended that an inquiry may be conducted to look into the affairs of the DCI.
In para 159, the committee said: “The committee is of the view that taxpayers’ money has been invested in the DCI and government should ensure that no ulterior motive get succeeded which harm the interest of the company. Let there be level playing field and no private company should be favoured at the cost of DCI. The committee is of the view that we cannot rely solely on the private dredging company.
The committee in this context would like to invite the attention of the government to the recent media report wherein it has been stated that the private company engaged by the Cochin Port Trust for dredging failed to fulfill its obligations and the matter finally was taken to the court. The government should ensure that while entering into the agreement with the company, the interest of major ports and the DCI are protected by including safety clauses in the agreement”. The committee also recommended that government should take every step to strengthen the DCI to provide adequate autonomy to it, so that it can function in fair and unbiased manner.
