New Delhi, 24 April (H.S.): To promote the development of the maritime sector in the country, capacity building, and skill-based education, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has signed significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Delhi University and the Delhi School of Economics. Under these agreements, maritime education, training, skill development, research, curriculum development, and employment-oriented programmes will be advanced to prepare skilled human resources for this sector.

The event, held at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium of the Delhi School of Economics, was graced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal as the chief guest. Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma, Director General of Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh, Delhi School of Economics Director, along with several academicians, policy experts, and students, were present on the occasion. The programme featured the exchange of MoUs, technical sessions, student interactions, and a panel discussion on the 'Blue Economy'.

The agreements will boost maritime capacity building and skill development initiatives. Core and elective courses related to maritime subjects will be developed at the university level, training materials will be prepared and shared with various institutions, joint research projects, seminars, and conferences will be organised, and knowledge dissemination will occur through publications and reports. Students will receive professional guidance for employment in this sector, with special training focused on priority areas under the Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047.

Sonowal stated that the maritime sector will play a transformative role in accelerating India's economy and contribute significantly to achieving the goal of a developed India. Over 95 percent of the country's total trade occurs via sea routes, making comprehensive development of this sector essential.

He highlighted that the government is continuously working to strengthen the network of over 11,000 kilometres of coastline, 12 major and more than 200 non-major ports, and 111 national waterways. In 2025-26, major ports handled over 915 million tonnes of cargo, while national waterways capacity has reached 145 million tonnes, with a target of 200 million tonnes by 2030.

RIS Director General Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma remarked that these MoUs will provide better training and skills to people associated with the maritime sector, enabling them to compete globally. This initiative will connect artisans and workers with modern education and technical knowledge.

Professor Yogesh Singh emphasised that given the crucial role of the maritime sector in India's trade, preparing skilled human resources for it is essential. Through these MoUs, new courses, diplomas, and training programmes will be launched at the university, offering students practical experience and better employment opportunities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar