Margao: Centre has assured South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes of upgrading the state’s marine training and seafarers’ welfare infrastructure.In a letter to Fernandes, Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the proposal for a Seafarers’ Welfare Centre at Mormugao port has been approved, with financial assistance of Rs 13 crore from the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society.Responding to the MP’s letter on enhancing marine infrastructure in Goa, Sonowal said the proposal for upgrading the post of surveyor-in-charge, mercantile marine department (MMD) Goa, to that of principal officer would be included in the ongoing cadre restructuring proposal of directorate general of shipping (DGS) to directorate general of maritime affairs (DGMA).On the demand for an Indian Maritime University (IMU) presence in Goa, the minister said an existing maritime training institute or college of repute in the state is being considered for affiliation by IMU.Sonowal also addressed the shore leave concerns raised on behalf of Indian seafarers, pointing to the steps taken by the ministry to streamline immigration procedures at seaport immigration posts.Fernandes had taken up a set of five issues with the ministry: appointment of a principal officer at MMD Goa and full operationalisation of its office, establishment of an IMU campus in Goa, shore leave challenges faced by Indian seafarers at Indian ports, setting up of a Seamen’s Club at Mormugao Port, and introduction of a degree programme in Naval Architecture.
