The Centre, through the Directorate General of Shipping, will take steps against shipping companies that fail to pay salaries to sailors on time, Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan said on Wednesday.
Talking to reporters here, he said it was unfortunate that seafarers were not paid salaries for months and left in the lurch. The Ministry would take action against erring firms.
Mr. Vasan made these remarks when his opinion was sought on the non-payment of salaries to the crew of Pratibha Cauvery and Pratibha Warna, both stranded at the Chennai Port Trust for the last few weeks.
Earlier, addressing cadets of Indian Maritime University (IMU), he said: “Over the last six years, our maritime professionals have developed great capabilities for handling technologically advanced or technologically difficult ships. This has led to a very high demand for our marine engineers though we train and educate more than 3,000 marine engineers every year.”
The Minister laid stress on the need for closer cooperation among IMU, World Maritime University (WMU) at Malmo in Sweden and the International Maritime Legal Institute, Malta, and asked them to explore the possibility of opening a regional branch of WMU in India.
He said the Centre had sanctioned Rs. 282.25 crore to IMU, of which Rs. 272.30 crore had been set aside for infrastructure development and Rs. 6.92 crore for recurring expenditure.
While promising to get the much needed budgetary support for IMU, Mr. Vasan said: “It has been proved that only those countries which invest well in research and development move ahead of others. The research in maritime sector, which is at its nascent stage, will be developed by the university in various disciplines with the aim of marching ahead in this sector.
“Indian IT industry underwent a major revolution in the supply of manpower for global needs. Similar opportunities and possibilities exist now for India in the maritime sector. This trend will not only enhance the social and economic status in the maritime States but also greatly contribute to the country’s economy.”
As part of the fourth university day celebrations, Mr. Vasan launched IMU’s new logo and redesigned website. Chancellor V. Krishnamurthy released the newsletter and placement brochure.
