Patna: Capt Savio Ramos, general secretary of the Maritime Union of India (MUI), on Sunday described Bihar as an emerging talent hub while calling for stronger safety and welfare mechanisms for seafarers.
Speaking at a conference in Patna, Ramos paid tribute to three seafarers from Bihar—Captain Rakesh Ranjan of Bihar Sharif, Deonandan Singh of Bhagalpur, and Ashish Kumar of Bettiah—who lost their lives in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The event underscored both opportunities and risks associated with maritime careers.
Safety Concerns in Conflict Zones
Addressing concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in conflict zones, Ramos stressed the need for designated safe maritime corridors and enhanced international coordination. He noted that while seafarers demonstrated resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, emerging geopolitical tensions have added new layers of risk.
Enhanced Financial Support
On the welfare front, officials announced enhanced financial support for families of deceased seafarers. The Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) has extended Rs 10 lakh assistance to families of those killed in war zones, while the MUI has pledged Rs 12 lakh compensation for deceased officers. Representatives confirmed that disbursement of funds to affected families is already underway.
Maritime Trade Significance
Amir Subhani, chairman of the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission, highlighted the historical and economic significance of maritime trade, stating that global development has largely been driven by access to sea routes. Drawing parallels with countries like Australia, he described the maritime sector as a backbone of economic growth and urged Bihar to strengthen institutional support for its seafaring community.
New Police Cell for Seafarers
Responding to these concerns, Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar announced the establishment of a dedicated cell within the state police to address grievances of Merchant Navy personnel and their families. He added that a toll-free helpline will also be introduced to ensure timely resolution of complaints.
Future Initiatives and Fraud Warnings
Ramos further pointed to the transformative potential of initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal, which aim to position India as a global maritime leader. He also cautioned aspiring seafarers against fraudulent recruitment agents and reiterated MUI’s commitment to providing legal aid and protection against harassment or abandonment.
