TN refuses Central help for minor ports

CHENNAI, Aug 24: Is there a case for the Centre to feel discriminated? Despite a Constitution which promises a federal scheme of things, st...

CHENNAI, Aug 24: Is there a case for the Centre to feel discriminated? Despite a Constitution which promises a federal scheme of things, states have always felt aggrieved that they were being discriminated against. Whether it was a question of power or resources, chief ministers have generally held the view that the country was ruled from New Delhi.

However, the controversial issue of development of minor ports provides for what appears to be an interesting case of reverse discrimination. Tamil Nadu, Union Minister for Surface Transport T G Venkatraman alleged, has not been allocating enough resources for developing minor ports in the State. Moreover, it wouldn’t allow the Centre to step in and set things right.

At a function held at Chennai Port Trust two months ago to mark the inauguration of the feeder service of the Shipping Corporation of India between Chennai and Colombo, Venkatraman offered financial assistance for the development of minor ports a State subject. Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who was present on the occasion, however declined the offer, saying he was against further encroachment by Central authorities in the domain of the States.

Story continues below this ad

At a press conference on the same day, the Union Minister repeated the offer in more comprehensive and categorical terms. The issue figured again at the press conference held at the Chennai Port Trust on Sunday when Venkatraman said the Centre had extended a grant of Rs 2 crore to meet the cost of the feasibility study. He also mentioned that only in Tamil Nadu had the process of feasibility studies of minor ports development been going on. In an obvious reference to Gujarat, he added that other states directly proceeded with development works.

When asked why the Chennai Port Trust remained without a permanent chairman, Venkatraman wanted to know whether work had been held up due to the absence of a permanent chairman.