Ship Recycling Industries Association (INDIA) Seeks Long-Term GMB Policy & Easier Regulations
GANDHINAGAR, AUGUST 28: The Ship Recycling Industries Association (India), Alang, along with several members of the ship recycling industry, on Wednesday met Gujarat Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vagani at Gandhinagar and urged the state government to incorporate key industry recommendations in the proposed new Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) policy.
The delegation made a detailed representation seeking policy reforms aimed at providing greater stability and competitiveness to the Alang ship recycling industry, which is considered an economic backbone of Bhavnagar district and provides employment to thousands of people.
One of the major demands put forward by the association was that the proposed GMB policy should be formulated for a longer period, preferably 15 years or more. Industry representatives said a long-term policy would provide greater certainty to ship recyclers, encourage investment in infrastructure and technology, and enable the industry to plan its future operations wth greater confidence.
The association also sought changes in the penalty provisions related to wrong beaching of vessels. According to the industry, the existing provisions need to be reviewed in light of practical operational conditions and the present circumstances prevailing in the ship recycling sector.
During the meeting, the representatives also highlighted various regulatory and procedural issues that they believe are creating hurdles in the smooth functioning and development of ship recycling activities at Alang. The association urged the government to consider its recommendations and make appropriate amendments so that unnecessary operational difficulties can be reduced while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
The delegation emphasised that Alang is not merely a regional industrial centre but an internationally recognised ship recycling destination. With increasing global focus on environmentally sound ship recycling and compliance with international standards, the industry believes that a supportive and predictable policy framework is essential for Alang to strengthen its position in the global market.
The association requested the minister to ensure that the proposed GMB policy is finalised and introduced at the earliest after incorporating the recommendations submitted by industry stakeholders.
Minister Jitubhai Vagani reportedly assured the delegation that he would take a personal interest in the comprehensive development of the ship recycling industry. He acknowledged the importance of the sector to Bhavnagar district and its role in providing employment to thousands of people.
According to the association, the minister assured the representatives that efforts would be made to include the issues and suggestions raised by the industry in the new GMB policy. He also expressed his intention to work towards strengthening the sector and helping it achieve its potential for substantial expansion.
The minister further indicated that he would continue pursuing the matter with the Gujarat Maritime Board so that the new policy could be brought forward at the earliest.
Industry representatives said that timely implementation of a comprehensive, long-term and industry-friendly policy could help Alang overcome several existing challenges and create an environment conducive to new investment, technological improvements and sustainable growth.
The association expressed confidence that the proposed policy reforms would provide a fresh impetus to Alang’s ship recycling activities and help the industry reach new heights in the international market.
At the conclusion of the meeting, office-bearers and members of the Ship Recycling Industries Association, Alang, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vagani for hearing their concerns and assuring them of support for the industry’s overall development.
Vishnu Kumar Gupta, President of the Ship Recycling Industries Association, Alang, conveyed the association’s appreciation for the minister’s intervention and support.
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