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Title: Providing employment to candidates who pass out from the Orissa Maritime Academy, Paradeep.
SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK): Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the House to an important matter of urgent public importance.
With the approval of the Government of India, the Orissa Government established the Orissa Maritime Academy in 1993 with a view to train seamen for Indian and foreign shipping companies. The syllabus and intake per batch were approved by the Government of India. It is the only institution of its kind in the East Coast and it is training candidates from other States as well. The quality of training imparted by this institution has been acclaimed by the ship owners and independent examiners. The Academy has also obtained ISO accreditation. During the period 1st April, 1993 to 1st July, 2006, a number of batches have undergone training. Employment for earlier batches was ensured in shipping companies. However, due to pressure of local trade unions and major ports, the candidates from Orissa Maritime Academy are finding it difficult to get employment.
I would urge upon the Government to impress upon the Shipping Corporation of India to induct candidates who are trained and who pass through examination. The Director-General, Shipping, may be instructed to conduct examinations for all seamen for recruitment in shipping sector and ensure a level-playing field for candidates throughout the country.