In order to boost inland waterways, Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has said that the government has prepared a scheme worth Rs 400 crore. Under the scheme, the government will give 50% subsidy to States to erect floating jetties, while the balance 50% of the cost will have to be borne by the States. Besides, for passenger jetties, this subsidy will be Rs 10 crore, while for container/goods jetties, the subsidy would be restricted to Rs 25 crore. Additionally, Gadkari has said that his ministry has prepared a scheme to offer subsidy to the shipbuilding industry which has been sent to the Cabinet for its approval.
Further, he stated that in view of the world’s requirement of manpower in the maritime industry, the government will open up a sub-centre of maritime university at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra to cater to the three states Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra for which JSW has already allotted 200 acres of land. He said by 2020, the maritime industry will provide jobs to over 65 million skilled labourers all over the world. Government will provide financial assistance of Rs 50 crore to the Centre, which will provide training in the maritime industry.
The Minister also added that the government is contemplating to increase the source of cargo to 15.8% per annum by 2020 in the coastal states. Moreover, the government has decided to open 7 new major ports in addition to 12 existing major ports, out of which one will be based in West Bengal namely Sagar port and the other will be in Dahanu in Maharashtra to be opened up jointly for Maharashtra and Kerala where the work on these two projects have already begun.
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