Union Minister of State for Shipping and Road Transport & Highways and Chemical & Fertilizers, Shri. Mansukh Lal Mandaviya visited Indian Maritime University in Chennai today and interacted with the faculty and students. The university was established through an Act of Parliament (Act 22) in November 2008 as a Central University, and is poised to play a key role in the development of trained human resource for the maritime sector. IMU is in the category of a professional university intended for fulfilling the requirements of the maritime sector.Addressing the students and faculty of IMU Shri Mandavia said that his government was committed to provide quality education in all areas including maritime sector. He said he saw a lot of potential in the university, and urged the management to provide for more international exposure and interaction so that the quality of its output could be at par with the best in the world. The Minister called for on board training for the students to provide them with the best practical knowledge about the industry. He also called upon private players to participate in the training as this would help bridge the demand supply gap of marine experts.Shri. Mandaviya also urged IMU to start a new course in ship breaking and hazardous waste management. Environment friendly ship breaking is in high demand in the current scenario and IMU should cater to this, he said.In order to boost maritime education the present government has increased the budget for IMU to Rs. 40 crore per year, from the earlier allocation of Rs. 6 crore for five years under the last government. The Minister assured students that many opportunities awaited them as the Union government is taking many initiatives push growth of the maritime sector.IMU Vice Chancellor Shri. Ashok Vardhan Shetty, Registrar Shri. S.V. Durga Prasad, Finance Officer Shri. G. Venkatesh and Deputy Registrar Ms. Sini Manchala were also present on the occasion.