The Federation of Association of Stevedores today strongly opposed the Government of India’s recent policy mandating that nearly 85% of free-standing cargo requiring stevedoring services be shifted into privately operated terminals. The Federation warned that this decision threatens to erase one of the oldest professions in maritime trade and devastate the livelihoods of lakhs of Indian families.
“Stevedoring is not just an occupation; it is a tradition dating back to Xenophon’s era and the backbone of India’s port economy. The sudden diversion of cargo away from stevedores will destroy the livelihoods of lakhs of Indian families directly and indirectly dependent on this profession,” the Federation stated.
The Association highlighted Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life — interpreted by the Supreme Court in Board of Trustees of the Port of Bombay v. Dilipkumar Raghavendranath Nandkarni to include the “right to livelihood.” The Federation warned that the new policy, by sidelining an entire community without consultation or support, amounts to a violation of this fundamental right.
“The policy effectively sidelines an entire community without consultation, rehabilitation, or transition support. It is not modernization, but decimation of livelihoods,” the Federation said. “Excluding stevedores from the national dialogue while inviting peripheral actors reflects a deep disconnect from ground realities. Modernization must not mean silencing the backbone of cargo handling in Indian ports.”
The Federation has appealed directly to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to:
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Urgently review this decision and adopt a balanced framework that modernizes port operations while safeguarding traditional professions.
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Formally recognize stevedores as critical stakeholders in all port policy deliberations.
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Revisit the current cargo-handling framework to balance modernization with protection of livelihoods.
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Reaffirm the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, in keeping with the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”