Padmesh Prabhune

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal during a review meeting held last week on Friday November 17 said, “Over the years, the number of seafarers has increased by 140 percent.”

The minister chaired a mid-term review meeting to determine a comprehensive approach towards swift and smooth execution of the ‘PM Maritime Amritkaal Vision’ with an ultimate goal to make India the global maritime leader by 2047.

The meet also deliberated upon the progress of 162 projects with an investment outlay of Rs.1 trillion. The Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur also participated in the deliberations along with the senior officials of major Indian ports, various PSUs, as well as other senior officials of the Ministry.

Sonowal said, “After a tremendous outcome at the GMIS, 2023, where we successfully closed 360 MoU’s with an investment of Rs.10 trillion, it is now time for their speedy and smooth execution. We are setting up a monthly review mechanism to keep a tab on the progress of all these initiatives as well as timely review of Maritime India Vision 2030 as well as Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.”

He further informed that over the last 9 years, the number of seafarers has increased by 140%. Whereas in 2014, the total count of active Indian Seafarers was 117,090 as compared to 280,000 in 2023. The Directorate General of Shipping had approximately 1,699 women seafarers registered in 2014 which has now increased to 10,440 reflecting an increase of 514% in the registered women Indian Seafarers.

The Indian maritime sector witnessed a remarkable transformation because of the strong efforts of the government, industry stakeholders and the unwavering support of our maritime community. MoPSW has embarked on a journey of progress, embracing technological advancements, improving infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, thus fostering a favorable environment for maritime business. The meeting opened up an opportunity to review the holistic progress made under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ announced during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ in May 2023. Also it was during Chintan Shivir 2023 Sonowal promised to take review of mid-year targets and on this day he acted upon on his promise.
– Marex Media