Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Thursday lauded the contribution of Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for its shipbuilding and catering to the acquisition requirements of the Indian maritime forces.
He was addressing a gathering after launching the third vessel -- Sajag -- of the indigenous project for five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for Indian Coast Guard at the GSL.
Naik’s wife, Vijaya, performed the launching rituals in the presence of Subhash Chandra, secretary, defence production; K Natarajan, director general of coast guard; Radm Philipose G Pynumootil, flag officer Goa area; BB Nagpal, GSL CMD commodore and other senior dignitaries.
The ongoing shipbuilding project for 5 OPVs is one of the biggest orders being executed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard. This indigenous project was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 13, 2016.
Entirely designed in-house by professionals of GSL, these OPVs will form a formidable part of the coast guard fleet and will be used for protection of exclusive economic zones of territorial waters.
These vessels will have modern and technologically advanced machinery, and will be controlled by computerized systems, making them the most advanced patrol vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard.
These 2,400 tonne vessels will be equipped with features like quick response boats for rescue and anti piracy, gunnery simulators and many more advanced features.
Recognising the efforts and achievements of GSL, Naik congratulated the personnel of Goa Shipyard and Coast Guard for the launching of the vessel.
Speaking on the occasion, director general of coast guards K Natarajan also praised GSL for its professionalism in persistent delivery of quality ships, within the contractual delivery timelines.
GSL CMD Nagpal said the shipyard’s endeavour has been to maximise the indigenous content on these ships. “I am happy to state that 70% indigenisation has been achieved for these ships,” he said.
‘Naphtha issue will be resolved soon’
VASCO: Union Ayush Minister Shripad Naik on Thursday said he had interacted with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who informed him that the issue of naphtha on board the stricken tanker Nu Shi Nalini will be resolved soon. “The government is trying to tackle the issue and efforts are being made to clear the grounded ship and the naphtha in it. I have had a word with Sawant, who has informed me that a foreign company has been appointed to salvage the ship. A Dubai-based company will take up the work and it will start in two days. Work on the grounded ship is likely to be finished within a few weeks,” said Naik.
Ayush hospital in every zilla soon: Naik
VASCO: Claiming there were a lot of advancements in the field of Ayush, Union Ayush Minister Shripad Naik said the Ayush ministry wants to ensure that the benefits of Ayush reach every household and district hospitals will be set up in every zilla.
Speaking to reporters along the sidelines of a function at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Naik said Ayush schemes have been taken up in all primary health centres across the country. “Ayush instututes are coming up in different states and I can now say people are looking towards Ayush for benefits. In Delhi, the All India Institute of Ayurveda has started in 2016 and this institute sees around 2,000 patients in the OPD on a daily basis,” said Naik.
“Our Ayurveda doctors are serving these patients and there is a feeling that we are falling short of such institutions. Hence, we have decided to have a district hospital in every zilla. Till today, we have undertaken work on over 100 ayurveda district hospitals which are in completion stage,” said Naik.
“These hospitals will benefit the public in a large way. I am thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi because through the initiative of Ayushman Bharat, there are around 12,500 wellness centres exclusively under the Ayush Ministry. All facilities and technology will be available at these wellness centres and this will help all the people of India,” said Naik.
