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The Ministry of Defence is constantly making efforts to accelerate the budget allocations for the Coast Guard, so that the wherewithal is available in conformity with its multifarious and growing responsibilities, this was stated by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee while Inaugurating the 23rd Annual Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi today.
The Defence Minister referred to the concern expressed by Coast Guard regarding operation in our waters of a large number of Indian fishing vessels manned by foreign crew. He said, our initiative, remedial action in this respect has recently been taken by the Ministry of Shipping which has exercised its powers under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, to impose a maximum 50 % restriction for such foreign crew employed on Indian vessels. Shri Mukherjee said, further action to incorporate necessary changes in the regulations so that the equity structure has more Indian participation and foreign exchange earnings of the companies owning these deep sea fishing vessels can be retained in the country, needs to be taken.
The Defence Minister said, that Coast Guard is engaged in setting up an effective Search and Rescue (SAR) organization. He said, the international maritime community has appreciated the efforts of the Indian Coast Guard in rescuing merchantmen from sinking vessels and the rescue of mariners in medical distress.
Referring to the increasing trends of crime at sea, Shri Mukherjee said, the role of the Coast Guard has gained commensurate importance and its is increasingly visible as a force to deter lawbreakers. He said, the crucial role played by the Coast Guard in reducing incidents of piracy in Indian Waters has been commended by various international bodies like the International Maritime Bureau at London, Piracy Reporting Centre at Kuala Lumpur, etc.
The Defence Minister said, without international co-operation, the efforts of the Coast Guard in tackling maritime crimes may not always achieve complete results.
The Minister also announced that the President of India has recently approved the proposal to introduce the 9 years and 20 years long service medals for Coast Guard personnel. The Notification in this regard will be issued shortly, he added.
Expressing concern over the manpower shortages in Coast Guard, the Minister said it is indeed a serious concern of my Ministry and is being addressed. He said, the issues of Pradhan Navik’s pay scales, technical pay for technical officers, and a health scheme for retired Coast Guard personnel are also receiving attention.
The Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee said, the Coast Guard Development Plan 2002-07 could not be cleared from the Ministry of Finance, despite several rounds of discussions and continuous pruning of the financial proposals. He said with only two financial years remaining, this perspective plan seems to have somewhat lost its relevance. Shri Mukherjee said with some introspection may be we shall have to admit that our ambitious projections were not in consonance with the scarce financial resources available at the disposal of the Ministry of Finance.
Complimenting the Coast Guard, the Ministry of Defence said, it has efficiently discharged its duties and responsibilities despite constraints of manpower and equipment.
Earlier welcoming the Minister, the Director General Coast Guard Vice Admiral Arun Kumar Singh said that during the current financial year the existing force level will be augmented by acquiring 03 Pollution Control Vessels (first of its kind in Asia), an Advanced Offshore Patrol, an Advanced Light Helicopter, 05 Fast Patrol Vessels and 08 Interceptor Crafts. He said the Coast Guard will be setting additional operational stations off the west and east coast along with additional assets during the present plant 2002-07.
The three day Conference will review the preparedness of the Coast Guard in accomplishing its charter of duties.
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