GANDHIDHAM: The Transport & Dock Workers Union (T&DWU), Kandla, representing a majority of employees at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting several long-pending employee welfare and administrative issues to Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, during his official visit to Kandla on 17-18 July 2026.
The delegation urged the Minister to intervene and facilitate early resolution of critical matters affecting thousands of port employees. Responding positively, Shri Shantanu Thakur assured the Union representatives that the issues would be examined sympathetically and efforts would be made to resolve them at the earliest.
The memorandum, submitted by the Union leadership, emphasized that the organization represents more than 62% of the workforce at Deendayal Port Authority and therefore sought the Ministry’s immediate attention to several pending matters concerning employee representation, welfare, pensions and service conditions.
Key Demands Raised
Among the major issues highlighted were:
- Board Representation: The Union requested allotment of the first seat among the two Labour Trustee positions on the DPA Board, citing its majority status under the prevailing check-off system and previous precedents.
- Residential Plots for Employees: The Union urged the Ministry to approve the long-pending Land Policy for Gandhidham Township, enabling allotment of residential plots to remaining eligible port employees under the already approved special housing scheme.
- Coverage under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972: Employees sought extension of the Old Pension Scheme benefits and implementation of the Ministry’s recent Office Memorandum concerning compassionate ground employees, arguing that port employees should receive parity with other Central Government employees.
- Recognition of Cargo Handling Milestones: The Union proposed distribution of commemorative mementoes or suitable monetary incentives to employees for their contribution towards Deendayal Port Authority achieving cargo handling milestones of over 150 MMT and 160 MMT during 2024-25 and 2025-26.
- Regularisation of Employees: The memorandum requested early regularisation of compassionate appointees and pool workers who have been awaiting confirmation for several years despite completing the required service period.
- Removal of Pay Stagnation: The Union sought immediate implementation of wage revision provisions to remove stagnation in the salaries of Class III and IV employees in accordance with the Wage Revision Settlement.
- Implementation of Industrial Tribunal Awards: The memorandum called for implementation of long-pending Industrial Tribunal, Rajkot awards relating to employee benefits and reinstatement cases that have remained unresolved despite judicial decisions.
- Enhancement of Gratuity Ceiling: The Union also requested extension of the enhanced gratuity ceiling of ₹25 lakh, already applicable to officers, to Class III and Class IV employees of all Major Ports to ensure equitable treatment.
Minister Gives Positive Assurance
The Union stated that the Hon’ble Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and appreciated the concerns raised on behalf of port employees. According to the Union, Shri Shantanu Thakur assured that the Ministry would examine the issues and take necessary steps for their early resolution, providing renewed hope to employees awaiting decisions on several long-pending matters.
The memorandum has also been forwarded to the Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, for necessary consideration and follow-up.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Lalit Varyani, Senior Secretary, Transport & Dock Workers Union, Kandla, expressed confidence that the Minister’s assurance would pave the way for expeditious action on the issues affecting the welfare and morale of port employees. The Union reiterated its commitment to working constructively with the Ministry and the Port Authority for the continued growth of Deendayal Port while safeguarding the legitimate interests of its workforce.
