Kochi: Ambiguity in norms regarding shipping of cargo to Lakshadweep from Kochi has been posing difficulties to traders from the islands. Coming out against the procedures currently followed, traders have demanded better compliance to rules. Though applications for shipping bill are collected in advance, passengers have to wait for a long time to get the bill. Also the bills are issued without considering the seniority in filing the application. It has been further pointed out that sometimes officials issue tickets without confirming the operation of vessels. At a later stage they ask the passengers to cancel these tickets, pointed out C G Hajarammabi of Haja Cycle Emporium, Kavaratti.
“Issuing of shipping bill for the vessel mv Arabian Sea which started on July 13, could not be completed till July 16. We are compelled to wait at the counter all these days,” Hajarammabi said in a letter to the Deputy Director (Supply and Transport), Lakshadweep. She pointed out that having a separate counter for shipping bill or separate timing at the same counter would ease the rush.
However, officials with the Lakshadweep administration said that considering the heavy rush at times, they are planning to set up a separate counter for the purpose. “Recently we have introduced advance booking for Lakshadweep passengers. They can book two months in advance. Hence there are considerable rush for cancellation at some times. On such days when two-three vessels leave from the port, there will be heavy rush of passengers. Considering this, we are planning to have a separate counter,” said Muthukoya, Deputy Director (Ports) Lakshadweep administration.
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