Research and development programmes in the ocean sector are aimed at creating a deeper understanding of the oceanic regime, in particular, to provide the basic canvas for designing incisive, environmentally safe resource exploration and exploitation strategies and managing its delicately poised environment. These programmes are implemented through various national facilities and institutions. Management of research vessels ORV Sagar Kanya and FORV Sagar Sampada has been entrusted to the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochin respectively. Surveys for non-living resources and for polymetallic nodules in the deep seabed are conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography on behalf of the Department. Government Departments, national institutes, laboratories and academic institutions are actively involved in designing the Antarctic research programmes. The three services of the armed forces have been making their contributions by developing the whole gamut of logistic facilities to meet exacting standards for extreme environment, and by growing indigenisation of a wide variety of equipment and materials.

The Ocean Science and Technology Board constituted by the Government in February 1986 acts as the focal point for interdepartmental, inter-ministerial coordination in respect of ocean related activities with the objective of establishing an integrated approach for efficient development and exploitation of ocean resources.

11.1. Ocean Science and Technology Board

The 8th meeting of the Ocean Science and Technology Board was held on 22 June 1990. The then Minister of State for Science and Technology who addressed the meeting emphasised that the Board as an apex body should define national priorities, and give directions for evolving inter-ministerial coordinated programmes of potential impact in all ocean related activities. Horizontal interaction between different departments in identifying areas of priority was also underlined. The Board suggested that all relevant information relating to available infrastructure for executing various ongoing activities in the ocean sector be organised in a form that would facilitate identification of potentially worthwhile activities, which through integration in their present or marginally augmented form would greatly add to the wealth of our knowledge and capabilities at national level. ln the context of expanding activities, the need for acquiring new research vessels was also underlined.

The Board also reviewed the implementation of various ongoing programmes of the Department, particularly the deep sea-bed polymetallic nodules and the Antarctic research programmes. The urgent need for cost effective measures to improve knowledge bases of the oceanic domain, restructuring of marine infrastructure and cohering its various activities with minimum additional support facilities was also emphasised.

11.2. Implementation of 15-Point Programme on Minority Welfare

The activities of the Department do not have a direct bearing on the development of minority communities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, etc. The Department has been taking due care to ensure adequate representation of minority communities while making recruitment to the posts. Adequate representation of the officers belonging to the minority communities has also been given in the Selection Committee for filling up vacancies in Group 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D'.

With a view to creating awareness among the minority communities, an exhibition on ocean science followed by lectures by eminent scientists was organised at Urdu Academy Delhi. Financial support was extended to 'Science aur Kainat Club" attached to Jamia Milia Islamia University, Delhi for organising a study tour to Goa for children of minority communities.

11.3 Administrative Support

The sanctioned strength of the Department of Ocean Development (including its attached and subordinate offices) in all grades was 234 (January 1990). 11 posts in Group 'B' and 'C' were filled up during the year.

Training

The following officers / staff of the Department attended training programmes organised in different institutions during the year.



Joint Secretary (Administration), attended a training programme on Industrial Policy , Planning and Development organised for the Indian Administrative Service Officers at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi for three weeks from November 5-23, 1990.

11.4. Exhibitions and fairs

The Department has been actively participating in the national and other exhibitions to create awareness about ocean related activities. An exhibition on Ocean Science and Antarctic Research was held at India International Trade Fair, New Delhi from 14-28 November 1990. Apart from marine exhibits, charts, aquarium, panels, models, video films on Antarctic expedition were exhibited. As a part of centenary celebration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar an exhibition was organised in 24 Pargana District, West Bengal. Another exhibition on ocean science mainly for creating awareness among school children belonging to SC and ST and other weaker sections was held at Warsao, Bombay from 21-24 November 1990.

11.5. Finance

The budget estimate for the Department for the year 1990-91 was Rs. 35 crores under Plan and Rs. 8.16 crores under Non-Plan. The figures for the revised estimates are Rs. 31.45 crores under Plan and Rs. 8.13 crores under Non-Plan. A budget estimate of Rs. 46.21 crores (which includes Rs. 37.00 crores under Plan and Rs. 9.21 crores under Non-Plan) has been made for the year 1991-92. Following is a summary of the Financial requirements.