Negligence: Kerala minister Ahammad Devarkovil calls meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Port minister Ahammad Devarkovil has convened a high-level meeting of the officials of the Kerala maritime board and the port department on Wednesday in the wake of reports of negligence on the part of officials in giving permission for the boat that capsized in Tanur to operate without receiving the final registration.
It is learned that the minister has directed the maritime board authorities to submit a preliminary report on the reasons behind the accident at the meeting. The minister has also sought a report on the sanctions given to the boat and details about the officials who have cleared the preliminary registration of the boat.
With the demand for strict action against the officials who had given permission to the boat to operate as a tourist boat rising from several quarters, the government has decided to crack the whip, it is learnt.
The government is likely to launch a department-level inquiry against the officials, based on the preliminary report submitted by the maritime board.
Meanwhile, the port minister has issued a directive to take action against all shikara boats that are operating without a valid licence in the state.