Visakhapatnam, July 13 : Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday ruled out privatisation of Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) and said the company will be acquired by three major ports and made more efficient.
He added that there was no question of closing down the state-owned company either.
Gadkari's remarks came amidst reports of the government planning to sell its entire 73 per cent stake in the company which is under the administrative control of the Shipping Ministry.
"We have taken a decision at the department level and we are just waiting for the Cabinet approval. Three major ports -- Visakhapatnam Port, Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port -- are now ready to acquire the government stake in the Dredging Corporation of India," he said.
The Minister added there were also plans to restructure the company so that it becomes more efficient and stronger, and could take projects not only in India but also abroad.
"So, the question does not arise about the closure of Dredging Corporation of India," he said.
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Raipur (PTI): Amid reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinder in several parts of the country due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday assured people that they need not worry about the availability of cooking gas in the state.
He asserted that adequate stock of LPG as well as petrol and diesel was available in the state.
Sai said in a statement that authorities have been directed to regularly monitor stock at gas agencies and keep a close watch on the supply chain. Necessary instructions were issued to officials in all districts to ensure a smooth supply of LPG.
The chief minister instructed officials to take strict action if any complaint of black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders is received.
Sai urged state residents not to pay attention to rumours and to book cooking gas cylinders as per their actual requirement.
The government was fully alert to ensure the availability of essential commodities to citizens, he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Hotel and Restaurant Association has issued an advisory to hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food businesses across the state, urging them to maintain calm and avoid panic buying.
In the advisory, Taranjeet Singh Hora, president of the association, asked members to maintain coordination and immediately inform it about any major disruption in LPG supply.
He cautioned businesses against hoarding cylinders, saying such practices could worsen the situation for the entire hospitality sector.
The association advised hotels and restaurants to prioritise essential kitchen operations, core menu items and already committed banquet events.
Use electric cooking equipment wherever possible for emergency and staff kitchens such as induction cooktops, electric hot plates, electric rice cookers and kettles, the advisory stated.
