'Govt committed to providing quality education in all areas'

Government today said it is committed to providing quality education in all areas, including the maritime sector.
Addressing students and faculty of Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Chennai, Minister of State for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, and Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Lal Mandaviya said that "he saw a lot of potential in the university."
He urged the management to provide for more international exposure and interaction so that the quality of its output can be at par with the best in the world, Ministry of Shipping said in a statement.
The minister called for on-board training for students to provide them with the best practical knowledge about the industry. He also called upon private players to participate in the training as this would help bridge the demand supply gap of marine experts.

The university was established through an Act of Parliament (Act 22) in November 2008 as a Central University, and is poised to play a key role in the development of trained human resource for the maritime sector, the statement said.
Mandaviya also urged IMU to start a new course in ship breaking and hazardous waste management. Environment friendly ship breaking is in high demand and IMU should cater to this, he said.
In order to boost maritime education, the government has increased the budget for IMU to Rs 40 crore per year, from the earlier allocation of Rs 6 crore for five years under the previous administration.

The minister assured students that many opportunities awaited them as the Centre is taking many initiatives to boost the maritime sector.