Editorial 1:

The editorial titled “Shipping awaits its dream budget” from The Hindu delves into the historical context and current challenges of India’s shipping industry, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to revitalize this crucial sector.

Historical Context:

India once boasted a thriving shipbuilding and owning industry, which was systematically dismantled during British colonial rule. A notable example is the suppression of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai’s swadeshi shipping initiative over a century ago. Despite the passage of time, India has struggled to reestablish a robust shipowning and shipbuilding ecosystem.

Current Challenges:

• Decline in Tonnage: Over the past decade, India’s total shipping tonnage has decreased, with minimal merchant ship construction occurring domestically. In contrast, countries like China have ascended to become global leaders in shipbuilding, while India has become more prominent in ship scrapping activities.
• Policy and Regulatory Hurdles: The editorial highlights a lack of nuanced understanding among India’s top regulators, policymakers, and tax authorities regarding the shipping industry’s complexities. This has led to policies that inadvertently hinder the sector’s growth. For instance, previous customs duties on imported ship spares resulted in arbitrary demands, adversely affecting shipping companies.
• Limited Domestic Support: Historically, government policies have predominantly favored state-owned entities like the Shipping Corporation of India, offering limited support to private shipowners. Consequently, many private shipping companies have either ceased operations or relocated abroad.

Recent Developments:

The 2024-25 Budget introduced measures aimed at supporting the shipping industry, such as removing customs duties on imported ship spares. Additionally, the Economic Survey discussed ship leasing structures in Gujarat’s GIFT City as a potential model for future initiatives. While these steps indicate a growing governmental interest in the sector, the editorial suggests that more substantial actions are necessary.

Recommendations for Revitalization:

• Comprehensive Policy Overhaul: The government should implement bold, big-ticket initiatives to fully leverage the potential of India’s shipping industry, thereby contributing to national prosperity.
• Legislative Reforms: The introduction of a new Merchant Shipping Act, which has been promised in the past but not yet realized, could provide a modern framework to support industry growth.
• Security Enhancements: Allowing Indian private security contractors to operate on Indian-managed and manned ships could mitigate vulnerabilities to threats such as drone attacks and unmanned boats.
• Support for Seafarers: With approximately 300,000 Indian seafarers working globally, the government should enhance protections against human rights violations and reconsider tax policies that currently view these professionals primarily as revenue sources.
• Innovative Registry Models: Establishing an open ship registry on one of India’s islands, offering free anchorage and bunkering, could attract foreign entities to register their ships in India, similar to the model employed by Hong Kong.

Conclusion:

The editorial underscores that while recent budgetary measures are steps in the right direction, India’s shipping industry awaits more comprehensive and visionary reforms to reclaim its historical prominence and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth.

The kind of jobs needed for the ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal

The concept of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) envisions India becoming a fully developed nation by 2047, with a strong economy, advanced infrastructure, high living standards, and global leadership in technology, innovation, and sustainability. To achieve this ambitious goal, India needs a workforce equipped with the right skills and expertise across various industries. Here are the key job sectors and roles crucial for Viksit Bharat:

1. Technology & Digital Economy Jobs

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning Experts – For automation, smart cities, and efficient governance.
• Cybersecurity Professionals – To protect data and digital infrastructure.
• Software Developers & IT Engineers – To support digital transformation and innovation.
• Data Scientists & Analysts – To improve decision-making and efficiency across sectors.
• Blockchain & Fintech Experts – For secure transactions and financial inclusion.

2. Infrastructure & Urban Development Jobs

• Civil Engineers & Urban Planners – To build smart cities and improve urban living.
• Sustainable Energy Experts – To ensure eco-friendly power generation.
• Construction Workers & Architects – For large-scale infrastructure projects like highways, railways, and metros.

3. Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 Jobs

• Robotics & Automation Engineers – For modernizing industries.
• Skilled Factory Workers & Technicians – To support production efficiency.
• Electronics & Semiconductor Experts – To boost India’s self-reliance in chip manufacturing.

4. Green & Renewable Energy Jobs

• Solar & Wind Energy Engineers – To expand clean energy sources.
• Environmental Scientists & Sustainability Experts – To develop eco-friendly policies.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Technicians & Battery Engineers – To support India’s EV revolution.

5. Healthcare & Biotechnology Jobs

• Doctors, Nurses & Paramedics – To enhance healthcare services.
• Pharmaceutical Researchers – To develop affordable medicines.
• Biotech & Genetic Engineers – For innovation in healthcare and agriculture.

6. Education & Skill Development Jobs

• Teachers & Trainers – To improve literacy and vocational skills.
• EdTech Professionals – To revolutionize learning through technology.
• AI-based Learning Specialists – To personalize education.

7. Agriculture & Food Security Jobs

• Agri-Tech Experts & Precision Farming Specialists – To increase productivity.
• Food Scientists & Organic Farming Experts – For sustainable food production.
• Supply Chain & Cold Storage Managers – To reduce food wastage.

8. Defense & Space Research Jobs

• Aerospace Engineers & Scientists – For space missions and aviation advancements.
• Defense Technology Experts – To strengthen national security.
• Drone Operators & AI Warfare Specialists – For modern defense strategies.

9. Tourism & Cultural Economy Jobs

• Hospitality & Tourism Experts – To boost India’s global tourism appeal.
• Cultural Heritage Managers – To preserve and promote India’s history.
• Event Managers & Travel Consultants – To enhance tourism experiences.

10. Entrepreneurship & Startups

• Startup Founders & Innovators – To drive economic growth.
• Investment & Business Analysts – To support financial growth.
• Social Entrepreneurs – To tackle grassroots challenges.

Conclusion

For Viksit Bharat, India needs a diverse workforce skilled in advanced technology, sustainability, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. The government must invest in education, skill development, and infrastructure to create an environment that nurtures innovation and economic growth. By focusing on these sectors, India can transform into a globally competitive, self-reliant, and prosperous nation.