Question : Benefits of Blue Economy

(a) whether the Government proposes to utilize the country’s long coastline, numerous islands, and large exclusive economic zone and continental shelf to reap the benefits of a “blue economy”;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to engage maritime forces of friendly nations at multiple levels, in training, in technical areas and hydrography and conduct maritime security operations; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and steps taken / being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) to (d): Government is implementing a Central Plan Scheme on “Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries” with a vision to achieve economic prosperity of the country and the fishermen through utilization of full potential of water resources for development of fisheries in a sustainable manner.
Besides, in April 2017, Government has notified the ‘National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017’ (NPMF), which provides guidance for promoting

‘Blue Growth Initiative’ which focus on ushering ‘Blue Revolution’ (Neeli Kranti) by sustainable utilization of fisheries wealth from the marine and other aquatic resources of the country for improving the lives and livelihoods of fishermen and their families. The ‘Blue Revolution’ will encompass elements of the ‘Blue Growth Initiative’, as also the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goals.
Friendly foreign countries are being engaged extensively by Indian Navy through material support, training EEZ surveillance, provisioning of platforms, hydrographic assistances, joint exercises and offering slots in professional training courses, etc. The recent steps undertaken by the Indian Navy to engage friendly foreign countries includes embarkation of Sea Riders during Overseas Deployments of Indian Navy Training Ships, inviting ‘Observers’ from friendly navies viz. Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives for the Joint Annual Tri-Service HADR Exercise, conducted by the Indian Navy at Karwar from 18th to 20th May 2017, offering training vacancies in various professional courses, etc.
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