During his recent visit to Mumbai on July 9, 2008, Mr A P V N Sarma, (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Government of India spoke with THE MARINE WORLD on various issues of the shipping industry. Excerpts from our interaction with him:

TMW: There was a proposal to set up a Maritime University in India. What is the latest on it?
Mr Sarma: Yes, we are committed to set up a Maritime University in the country. The issue is likely to be taken up by the Parliament in the Monsoon session of the House. If it is okayed, then it is most likely to be set up in Chennai. But unless the Parliament gives its nod, we simply can only wait.
TMW: Of late there are several threats to the shipping industry right from safety and security to manpower shortage. How well is the Government geared up to face these challenges?
Mr Sarma: Manpower shortage is a real concern and there are plans to meet this problem. It's a fact that the youths are getting enticed towards lucrative professions like IT, Management, etc. But you know we still have enough youths in our country to meet our requirements. The department would leave no stones unturned to get its required manpower. But that will require some time and can't be done over night.
Regarding safety and security, I am sure India is way ahead than many major shipping nations of the world and in fact we have a better track record. That is not a real bother, though minor incidents at times do occur like in any other industry. Overall, this is a huge industry and has some problems too. The government is trying its best to solve them.
TMW: But are you sure shortage of Seafarers can be dealt successfully?
Mr Sarma: Shortage of Seafarers is not a recent problem. It has been an issue for years. And India is not the country that is facing this problem. There are many nations where the scenario is much worse. This issue has been discussed and efforts are on to meet this challenge. As I told you earlier, there is no magic wand, so it will need time.
TMW: Do you think redtapism and excessive paper works are affecting the progress of several projects of the industry?
Mr Sarma: The government has to follow certain procedures for its functioning and they are required too. The government is answerable for everything it does, so it can't act as per someone's whims and ignore the requisite formalities. Yes, sometimes it may appear the paper works are unnecessary and official procedures and maintaining of records consumes a lot of time, but we act as per norms. Certain projects might have got delayed due to late allotment of funds, technical snags or any other problem, but the Ministry is trying to do its level best to finish various projects in time.
TMW: How do you rate Indian shipping industry in comparison to major shipping nations of the world?
Mr Sarma: Our performance is not bad, but there are several European and American nations which are doing well than India. The load on Indian ports is enormous and we have to develop our infrastructure to let these ports enhance their performances. There are also plans to increase our ship building and manning activities.
TMW: When we plan to develop our ports, do you think dredging is a constraint?
Mr Sarma: You are right. Dredging is a problem worldwide and India is no exception. The trade is increasing by leaps and bounds, and the load on ports has increased a lot. We are even planning to empower the port authorities to take up dredging independently.
TMW: Is the government planning to give more powers to ports only for dredging, or for other activities too?
Mr Sarma: No, the port authorities would be empowered to carry on independently some other essential activities too. But the decision is still pending with the government and may take a little time. If our ports are developed and we have better infrastructure, then by 2011-12 the cargo handling capacity of our ports can be doubled for sure.
(Interviewed by Anirudha)