Karnataka - Bangalore

Karwar port to be developed

BANGALORE: The State Government on Friday decided to develop the second stage of Karwar port at an estimated cost of Rs. 500 crore on a public-private partnership.

Addressing presspersons after a meeting of the Executive Committee, Governor Rameshwar Thakur said the Karwar port would be developed in the next three-year period.

The port, which now handles three million tonnes of cargo, would be able to handle five million tonnes of cargo after completion of the second stage.

Two berths would be constructed in the second stage. The Public Works Department, the nodal department for implementing the project, had invited Expression of Interest and six firms had been shortlisted.

The selected bidders would operate the port for a 30-year period. After completion of the period, it would be handed over to the Government, Mr. Thakur said.

To improve administrative capacity of gram panchayats under the World Bank-aided Karnataka Panchayat Strengthening Project, a decision had been taken to appoint one consultant each for 52 panchayats of Devadura and Bagepalli taluks on a pilot basis of one year.

The consultants would be paid salary of Rs. 12,500 and conveyance Rs. 2,500 a month.

The consultants would act as advisers and provide all support to improve service delivery, revenue collection and accounting.

A decision had been taken to constitute a committee headed by Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao to recommend suggestions for early disposal of files in various departments.

The three advisers to the Governor and the Chief Secretary were present.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu