Faster security clearance of bidders on cards for PPP port projects

After losing Rs 6,000 crore on asset monetisation proceeds last fiscal due to delayed security clearances, the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW) is mulling a framework that would allow faster clearances of bidders for port development under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode. 

The ministry has written to other ministries, including home affairs, defence and external affairs, seeking a “positive and negative list” framework.

Under this, prominent players and regular bidders in government tenders would not need to go through repeated clearances under normal circumstances.

Since ports are a subject of national security, bidders during the pre-qualification stage