Karnataka clears creation of maritime board

Karnataka Cabinet has approved the proposal to set up Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) for the overall development of the ports in the state. According to officials, the board would have one of the four additional chief secretaries as the chairman and no politician would have place in the board.

The principal secretaries of the department of public works, infrastructure development, environment and forest would be some of the other members among the 17 members.

The board would be an autonomous body and its setting up is expected to boost the international business to the state government.

The board would also help in developing the ports with private participation. However, it had not yet decided on the location of office of the board. The proposal is expected to send to the Centre for approval shortly.