The Indian Government has approved new norms for awarding dredging works at State-run ports that allows the four shareholder ports controlling Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) to finalise their respective dredging contracts with the company on nomination basis (without a tender).
According to The Hindu Business Line , the dredging guidelines have also introduced – for the first time – the concept of awarding dredging works at major ports through the public-private-partnership (PPP) route.
“Whenever this (nomination) route for award is followed, the principle of competitive market price discovery for the same quality and conditions shall be followed (to ensure high efficiency in cost, time and quality in execution of dredging projects),” the dredging guidelines approved by the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways said.
The guidelines also give an option to the major port trusts to float open competitive bidding for dredging projects after taking approval from Board of trustees/port directors.
The ministry of ports, shipping and waterways said it reserves the right to assign in public interest, any contract for dredging work in any major port on nomination basis to DCI.