The ongoing war in the Gulf region
has been problematic for the marines as ships get stuck up in the area.
But Indian marines now face a new problem. They are not getting the Financial
relief announced by the Indian Government. These include discounts or waivers
on expensive port fees like storage and electricity for refrigerated
goods.
The regulator, Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), was forced to step in
after it found that the middlemen (shipping lines, terminal operators, and
freight forwarders) were the culprits and were not passing on the benefits
immediately to the affected parties. They were forcing the exporters to pay the
full fee upfront and then apply for the refunds later. This however affected
the cash flow of exporters.
The DGS has issued a strong directive to apply the discounts immediately on the
invoice. No more pay now, claim later things will be tolerated. The Port
authorities will be responsible to ensure that.
OUR VIEW:
It is indeed a matter of concern that when globally every nation is
suffering due to the ongoing war, and the Indian Government is trying its best
to ensure providing maximum benefits to its citizens and all concerned
authorities, these sorts of issues crept up. These will be harmful not just to
the Indian Economy but also to the citizens at large, as the benefits the
Indian Government passes on to the exporters at these times of crisis, will,
ultimately, not reach the consumers. Strict action and proper follow-ups are
needed by the DGS.
