Paradeep : Republic Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervor by Paradip Port Authority. The celebrations commenced with the unfurling of the National flag by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA. Addressing on the occasion, he said that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our country is destined to become the third largest economy in the world by 2030. Port Sector is also marching ahead comprehensively under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Union Minister of MoPSW, Shri Sarbanada Sonowal ji. Today Paradip Port is No.1 Major Port both in terms of rated capacity and cargo handling. Paradip Port is also No.1 Major Port in terms of berth productivity and also providing services at the cheapest tariff.
Under the guidance of the Maritime India Vision 2030, Paradip Port is undergoing a transformation into a world-class Mega Port with a capacity of over 500 MTPA by 2047. As a part of this augmentation exercise, Port will commission two new berths in northern dock, one berth in Southern dock and one green berth by 2030. Apart from this 4 semi mechanised berths also will be mechanised by 2030, thus upgrading the port to a level of more than 80% mechanisation. The Western Dock project, with 25 MMTPA capacity is progressing rapidly and we will be able to complete the project much before the target date of 2028. With the completion of this project, port will be enabled to handle Cape Vessels, thus reducing the cost of logistics of our customers substantially.
To develop Paradip Port as a Green Port, one hydrogen berth is proposed to be constructed near South Break Water. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Paradip Port has been identified as one of the Major Ports to be developed as a hydrogen hub. Also Paradip Port plans to power its operation by solar, with installation of 10 MW solar power plant, which underlines our commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly growth. It is expected to be operational by next financial year.
As part of our Corporate Environmental Responsibility, Paradip Port is focusing on environmental protection and mitigation of pollution. Two additional dry fog/mist cannon are procured and operated by Port recently in addition to two existing cannons. In additional to 5 existing sweeping machines, two conveyorised sweeping machine have been inaugurated recently which will be able to clean the wet cargo fall on the roads of Port. Every year we are adding one lakh plants to the environment of Paradip and now we are able to create an urban forest in this locality.
For holistic health care of employees, Paradip Port Authority has entered into a MoU for Ayurvedic OPD and IPD treatment with Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research Hospital, Sri Sri University, Cuttack. To meet the demand of drinking water in Port Township, PPA is constructing a new reservoir as well as a new water treatment plant. The work for which has already been started and expected to be completed in a year, which will provide much awaited solution to the water woes of the Port township.
In Employees & Contractual Workers’ Welfare Front;
During the financial year, PPA has completed health check-up of all contract workers and employees working in our Port. It is first of its kind initiative to ensure health of contractual workers working with it. Very soon PPA will also start mandatory safety training courses, to all the workers entering harbour to inculcate self-consciousness and improve safety environment of the Port. In addition to the minimum wages paid to the contractual workers, the Port has enhanced the additional benefits from Rs.165 per day per person to Rs.245 per day per person, by which around 1100 nos of contractual workers have been benefited. In addition, the Port has enhanced the Group Insurance Policy from Rs.5 lakhs to Rs.20 lakhs in respect of Employees and Officers of PPA. Similarly, the Group Natural Death Insurance Policy from Rs.5 lakhs to Rs.12 lakhs in respect of contractual workers of PPA. The Group Accident Death Insurance Policy has been enhanced from Rs.10 lakhs to Rs.50 lakhs in respect of Class-I and II Officers of PPA and in case of employees of PPA, it has been enhanced from Rs.10 lakhs to Rs.25 lakhs. The Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) Settlement for revision of pay and allowances of Class-III and Class-IV of Major Port has been effected from 1st January, 2022 in the Port. All the arrears on this account are being paid to the employees ranging from Rs.1,50,000/- to Rs.4,50,000/- per employee and the whole exercise will be completed by March end with a fitment of 8.5% after merger of DA. Productivity linked Reward for contractual workers will be increased soon.
To mark the landmark the event of becoming the Number 1 Major Port in India, all the employees, contractual workers, CISF and those engaged directly by the Port, will be provided with a memento for the first time as a token of appreciation, for their contribution towards the growth of the Port.
Thereafter, Shri Haranadh awarded prizes to winners of various competitions held among local school children & Officers and employees of various departments, who have excelled in their respective work area. Later on he awarded winner and Runners up Trophies to the marching contingents. CISF UNIT, PPA mesmerised the audience with spectacular Dog show and Fire drill. An exhibition cricket match was held among PWD employees of the Port. Poets’ meet was organised at Officers’ Club by Jagannath Lalit Kala Sansad and in the evening inter-school dance competitions on patriotic theme were held among school children at Jayadev Sadan.