Ministry Told To Clear Hsl Dues

The finance ministry has been asked to clear the proposal on the outstanding loan liability of Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) whose net losses touched Rs 118.17 crore during 1996-97 from Rs 51.89 crore in 1995-96.

The 38th parliamentary committee report on transport and tourism said the interest burden on the company increased from Rs 78 crore to Rs 103 crore in 1995-96.

It said the government should clear the revival package for Hooghly Dock & Port Engineers (HDPE), the oldest shipyard of the country without any delay.

The committee said the shipyard became sick in the 1960s and has been suffering heavy losses since then. It had accumulated losses of Rs 74.28 crore as on March 31 last year.

 

Sunder Singh Bhandari, who heads the panel, pointed out that the delay in sanctioning vessels for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The report said steps should be taken to ensure adequate shipping services and facilities for the islanders.

It recommended that a system of long-term permits be instituted for private taxi and tourist bus operators so that these vehicle owners do not have obtain clearance from the concerned traffic authorities on a daily basis.

It sought greater allocation of funds for the national highway patrolling scheme, saying a large number of accidents take place on the national highways.