MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a) & (b): The Government has received a few representations to de-centralise various functions
of Directorate General of Shipping and empower Principal Officers, MMDs. However, no specific
representation has been received from the small entrepreneurs complaining about denial of
permissions by the Principal Officer in absence of adequate delegation. The Principle Officers
are empowered under the provisions of Merchant Shipping Act and Rules and through various
notices and circulars issued by the Directorate.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. Two new MMD districts have been created at Kandla and Kochi. New
MMD offices have been opened in New Mangalore and Haldia. The Government is also taking
all possible steps to fill up the vacancies in MMD offices and has initiated measures to
selectively delegate the functions of the Headquarters to Mercantile Marine Departments.
Most of the survey work has been entrusted to the Indian Registrar of shipping under
Section 9 of the Merchant Shipping Act. The functions of the Government are now
restricted to the audit of IRS while Port State Control Inspections and Flag Stage
Inspection are being done by MMD surveyors. All efforts are being made to fill the
existing vacancies in the MMDs to augment the manpower resources and e-Governance
modules have been rolled out to streamline various statutory functions discharged
by MMDs.
