No plan to trifurcate DGS, clarifies Vasan

MUMBAI: The government has no plans to trifurcate the directorate general of shipping (DGS) with a view to create separate directorates for each of the three regions. This was clarified by union minister of shipping GK Vasan in his reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha recenty.

Elaborating on the efforts at strengthening the shipping administration, the minister said the directorate and its allied offices have been fully computerized and connected by internet.

The training examination and certification processes in Mercantile Marine Departments (MMDs) have been tested under Quality Certification System ISO 9001. The technical officers were given training in technical and administrative functions with a view to improve their performance, he said.

To cope with its increasing work load in view of the growth in shipping activities and international trade, the directorate has set up offices of MMDs at four new locations at Kandla, Haldia, Paradip and New Mangalore, he said. MMDs of Kochi and Kandla have also been upgraded to a regional level.

The directorate has started an e-governance project that enables users to access information and processes regarding regulatory service of the directorate online.