Mumbai : The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has dismissed the appeal of Sri Chakra Maritime College (SCMC) for additional intake of maritime students following a comprehensive review of the institution’s compliance with regulations. However SCMC management stated that there was no review made post High Courts order dated 15 June 2023.

SCMC, located in Pattanur Village, Tamil Nadu, had sought approval for an enhanced capacity for its General Purpose Ratings (GPR) course.

On 22 November 2023, the IAS Shyam Jagannath, Director General of Shipping passed an Order Number 15 of 2023, that outlines the background of the case, highlighting SCMC’s previous approval for the GPR course and the subsequent rejection of its application for an increased student intake. The rejection was based on factors such as poor placement records and non-compliance with guidelines outlined in DGS Circular No. 18 of 2020.

The DGS emphasized that SCMC’s allegations, including those of distorted facts and baseless claims, lacked substance. The rejection was made in line with recommendations from the Principal Officer of the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Chennai, after thorough inspection and compliance verification.

SCMC’s representation, dated April 14, 2023, had urged the DGS to conduct a probe into additional intake inspections and related matters, requesting action against those allegedly tarnishing the institute’s reputation in the shipping industry.

The DGS order underscored that the rejection was in accordance with established guidelines and aimed at ensuring that maritime training institutes adhere to the required standards. The DGS emphasized the importance of shipboard training and compliance with regulations, as outlined in Circular No. 18 of 2020.

The order also highlighted the ongoing legal proceedings initiated by SCMC, indicating that the Hon’ble High Court of Judicature at Madras directed the concerned authorities to consider SCMC’s representation and pass appropriate orders within twelve weeks.

Sri Chakra Maritime College has been directed to improve its grading by providing adequate shipboard training to past candidates, thereby meeting the minimum requirements for approval of additional batches. The DGS has maintained that the rejection of SCMC’s application is justified and aligned with the organization’s commitment to upholding maritime education standards.

However the KVR Srinivas, Director, SCMC has alleged that the action is a pure contempt of High Court. Giving limelight of the whole case, he informed, “It is on 12 May 2022 we had applied to DGS for the approval of additional 80 seats for the GPR course. The official demanded for the bribe for the approval. As we denied they tortured us and did their unlawful, unauthentic comprehensive review till late night of 11 pm. And later on 09 January 2023 they rejected our application”.

He further informed, “We than approached The Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways through our wide letter dated 28 February 2023, 08 March 2023 and 14 April 2023. Unfortunately our voice was unheard by the department”.

With no options left we approached High Court through a writ petition in search of justice. It is on 15 June 2023, the Honorable Judge of the High Court redirected the Secretary to consider our petition and pass an appropriate order on merit and in accordance with the Law within 12 weeks’ stated Srinivas.

“We were awaiting for the officials to respect and consider the High Courts order and conduct a review of our Institution. Unfortunately even after 20 plus weeks there was no action taken by the respectful Secretary. Instead today bypassing the orders of Honorable High Courts Judge, the DGS has published an order of Rejection. It is a clear contempt of High Court. And we will again approach the Honorable High Court for Justice’ expressed Sriniwas.

When Maritime News tried to contact IAS Shyam Jagannath, DGS it was found that he is on tour. When tried to contact the head of the Training Department Savita Meiling Raj, ADG she was also not available to respond on the allegations of corruption in DGS.