Country to get its first Maritime University at Chennai

New Delhi, Oct 21 (UNI) The country will get its first Maritime University at Chennai with multiple campuses at Mumbai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatanam as a bill related to this was passed by the Lok Sabha this evening.

Indian Maritime University Bill, 2007 was passed by the House by voice vote after some CPI(M) members walked out when Shipping Minister T R Baalu did not reply to their demand for autonomy to the University's campuses.

Winding up the debate, the Minister assured the House that campuses of the University could also be set up in Gujarat and at Kochi in Kerala, if needed.

He said the objective of the University is to upgrade the country's training capacity and capabilities as one of the largest maritime countries in the world. It is also aimed at standardising maritime education and upgrading it to meet future growth opportunities.

The Minister said the University will facilitate and promote maritime studies and research with a focus on emerging areas of studies, including maritime science and technology, marine environment, legal and other related fields. It is also aimed at achieving excellence in these areas of disciplines and to promote advanced knowledge by providing institutional and research facilities and integrated course in marine science and key areas of marine technology.

This Central University will also help standardise the quality of education and training being given by private institutions by giving them affiliation and through academic supervision by this University, Mr Baalu said.

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