The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday signed a contract with state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) for the construction of a training ship for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of ₹310 crore.

This is the first dedicated training platform with integral helicopter capabilities that will provide basic sea training to 70 Coast Guards and other international under-trainee officers to prepare them on the multi-dimensional maritime aspects of Coast Guard life, the Ministry of Defence said after the deal was inked.

“This training ship with advanced and modern high-tech surveillance and monitoring systems will provide profound insight and expertise to the ICG cadets on the challenges at sea while ensuring the security of coastline and offshore assets,” the Ministry observed. The majority of equipment and systems will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, including MSMEs.

The Ministry stated that the project envisages to generate significant employment over a period of three years.

Cash prize for Asiad winners

Defence Minister also announced increased cash prize for Asian Games medal winners. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday felicitated 76 medal winners, participants and support staff from the Armed Forces, who took part in the recently concluded 19th Asian Games at Hangzhou, China.

Rajnath Singh announced cash prices of ₹25 lakh for sportspersons from Armed Forces personnel for winning gold, ₹15 lakh for getting silver and ₹10 lah for bronze, given that they brought laurels to the country and once again proved their mettle at an international event, said the MoD. Overall, they bagged 16 individual medals, 3 gold, 6 silver and 7 bronze, and eight team medals -- 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze -- at the Asian Games.

A contingent of 88 soldiers, including three sportswomen, participated in 18 disciplines at the Games, held from September 23 to October 08, 2023.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW