Port trade body flays JNPT move to curb entry, exits

The newly-introduced entry-exit measures for support staff at the country's largest container port JNPT are contrary to the ease of doing business efforts being undertaken across the country, a trade body has alleged.
"The steps taken by JNPT officials would increase the avoidable multiplication of work and undesirable frequent contact of the officials with the public/trade which may not be in consonance with the ease of doing business at ports," Mumbai and Nhava-Sheva Ship-Agents Association (Mansa) said.
In a statement, the Mansa has alleged a new circular issued by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which guards the port located across the financial capital's eastern coast, says it would stop issuing temporary permits more than three times to the same individual.

"It is now believed that JNPT officers have now refused to give more than two dock entry permits for longer duration per ship operator leading to undue hardship to users," the statement added.
Mansa said it has already written to the JNPT authorities regarding this. Sharing the global experience, the trade body claimed security at ports is not managed by closing access to port users.
It said the CISF has decided to strictly enforce provisions of the port facility security plan (PFSP) for renewal of short-term passes looking at the current security scenario.