look news india
Indian port and shipping industry: Indian ports, especially government ports, have become a topic of discussion in the shipping industry. The captains of ships on international routes have alleged that the customs department officials demand bribe and expensive items at Indian ports. This not only breaks the morale of the shipping industry, but also tarnishes India’s international image.
What does the experience of captains say?
In conversation with many skilled sailors (also called Captains), it was found that the behavior of custom authorities at Indian ports is extremely disappointing. According to a captain, when the officers come on the ship, they ask for cartons of expensive cigarettes (such as Marlborough), foreign liquor, butter, olive oil, coffee, tea bags, jams, nutela etc. In addition, they also carry bottles of frozen chicken and cold drinks. Such behavior is seen only at the ports of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, while other ports of the world do not have such a situation.
Demand for dollar!
Some captains allege that Indian custom officials demand ranging from $ 200 to 500 to faster the ship’s evacuation. In some cases, up to $ 1,000 is demanded. If the Captain does not pay this amount, the ship is completely searched. Everything from medicines to alcohol, cigarette, eating and drinking, TV, shoes and clothes, everything is matched. If one of the things mentioned is missing, then it has to be given a long explanation, which takes 6 to 8 hours. Therefore, Captain pays this amount to save time.
Discussion on social media
A video has been posted from a handle named Ganesh (@GGGANESHH) on social media platform X, “Is India a poor country or a rich country?” In this video, the owners of the ships say that the behavior of the authorities at Indian ports is not good, due to which they shy away from coming here. On this post, a ship owner named Kanwaldeeps1NGH has also shared his experience. He wrote, “I am a ship owner and fully support it. Indian port officials bother the most. They take things kept in the ship’s store as ‘gift’.”
Impact on India’s image
This type of behavior tarnishes India’s international image. On the one hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to improve the image of India, on the other hand, such behavior of the officials is spreading resentment in the shipping industry. Captain says that only 2% of the world countries demand cash for withdrawal, and these include India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
What is the solution?
The government needs to take strict steps to improve this situation. It is important to bring transparency in the functioning of Customs Department and to decide the responsibility of the officials. Such steps will increase the trust of the shipping industry and the image of India will also improve.