STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: According to Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, “Blue” Economy from ocean resources will be crucial to India’s future.
In reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Dr Jitendra stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Government of India’s Vision of New India by 2030 enunciated in February 2019 highlights “Blue” Economy as the sixth dimension of its vision.
Rs. 150 crore was provisioned during 2021-22 for Deep Ocean Mission, he added.
The Minister stated that a Draft Policy document on Blue Economy has been prepared by the Ministry of Earth Sciences taking into consideration the reports of the Expert Working Groups which emphasizes holistic development and growth of India’s Blue Economy.
The following thematic areas or pillars are identified: National accounting framework for the blue economy and ocean governance; Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism; Marine fisheries, aquaculture and fish processing; Manufacturing, Emerging industries, trade, technology, services and skill development; Logistics, infrastructure and shipping, including trans-shipments; Coastal and deep-sea mining and offshore energy; Security, strategic dimensions, and international engagement.
The Modi Government had approved the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) in June, 2021 to be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences at a total budget of Rs. 4,077 Crore for 5 years.