Monday, March 5, 2012

SCI: A Whipping Boy?

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | ISSUE 28 | 2 MAR 2012

SCI: A Whipping Boy?

The rift between various agencies is taking a toll with the shipping services in the Islands. Every time there is someone or other to be blamed for all the ills affecting the shipping sector. Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is alleged to be a necessary evil, which cannot be hounded out, as Directorate of Shipping Services does not possess the Document of Compliance, which a shipping company is expected to qualify for to operate IRS class vessels. Without technical competence, DSS could never qualify and will have to rely on SCI. Blaming it for all its inherent ills is the easy way to chuck out from the responsibility.
To overcome this barrier, ANI Admn was planning to have Andaman Nicobar Integrated Transport Corporation, which would cover sea, land and air transport. It seems that this will remain a pipedream for the Islanders? Last week, MV Kalighat could not sail as the DSS crew refused to go as the Air-condition in their area had failed. SCI could only sail the next day, putting the passengers to huge misery. DSS too critically failed to address the issue and once again the blame was put on SCI. It seems DSS needs a punching bag to hide its ugly and dark marks. 

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