Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, remotely inaugurated key maritime welfare and infrastructure projects during the Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare held in Kolkata.
The Minister formally inaugurated the Seafarers’ Outreach (SO) Centre and the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) Office, and also marked the commencement of redevelopment works at Nabik Griha Samity and Marine Club Kolkata. The initiatives are aimed at strengthening maritime infrastructure and enhancing welfare support systems for India’s seafaring community.
In his Leadership Vision address, Shri Thakur underscored the Government’s commitment to modernizing maritime institutions, reinforcing robust seafarer welfare frameworks, and positioning India as a trusted and competitive global maritime hub. He highlighted that these projects reflect sustained efforts to create a more responsive, technology-driven, and welfare-oriented maritime administration.
The initiatives form part of the broader vision of the Directorate General of Shipping under the aegis of the Ministry, focused on sustainable growth, improved governance standards, and long-term welfare measures for Indian seafarers.