For stronger employee representation

For stronger employee representation

Article:

1. Krishnadas Rajagopal discusses the amendments to the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2016

Important Analysis:

2. The amendments are based on the recommendations of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee.

3. Changes incorporated:

Number of the Labour representatives to be appointed in the Port Authority Board among the serving employees of the Port- Increased from 1 to 2

• Number of independent members in the Port Authority Board- Minimum 2 and Maximum 4
• Member representing the interest of the employees shall hold office- for of 3 years and not more than 2 consecutive terms
• Persons receiving any retirement benefit from the Board of Trustees under the Major Port Trust Act, 1963 immediately before such date- to continue to receive the same benefit from the Board.
• Presiding Officer and Members of the Adjudicatory Board will be appointed by the Central Government on the recommendations of the Selection Committee.
• The government will have the power to remove the presiding officer or any member of the adjudicatory board from office
• Amounts received by or on behalf of the Board will be credited to a general account or accounts of the Ports opened with a Nationalised or scheduled bank
• Board of each major port to be entitled to create a specific master plan for any established or to be established infrastructure within the port limits. This master plan would be independent of any local or State government regulations
• After the Act commences, the holder of the concession of PPP projects is free to fix the tariff based on market conditions
• Saving Clause: existing benefit enjoyed by Mumbai and Kolkata Ports for municipal assessment of property under the Bombay Port Trust Act, 1879 and the Calcutta Port Act, 1890 can continue

4. Significance:

• The amendments are expected to strengthen employee representation