Why in News?
The National Shipping Board (NSB) is following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on March 11, 2026. The meeting focused on addressing sectoral challenges arising from global geopolitical uncertainty, specifically the impact of conflicts in West Asia on supply chains and rising operational pressures on Indian maritime trade.
Key Features
- Status: It is a permanent statutory advisory body established on March 1, 1959, under Section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
- Nodal Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- Primary Function: Acts as the highest advisory body to the Central Government on matters related to Indian shipping and the development of maritime infrastructure.
Composition
- Chairman: Recently headed by Shri Sameer Kumar Khare (Retired IAS).
- Parliamentary Representation: Includes six members elected by Parliament—four from the Lok Sabha and two from the Rajya Sabha.
- Additional Members: Up to sixteen members appointed by the government to represent shipowners, seamen, and other central interests.
- Tenure: The Chairman and other members hold office for a period of two years, after which the board is reconstituted.
Key Responsibilities
- Recommending reforms for the modernisation of the Indian shipping industry.
- Ensuring the welfare of seafarers, including safety, training, and social security.
- Promoting Indian Tonnage by encouraging ship registration under the Indian flag.
- Advising on the implementation of the National Maritime Agenda to improve port efficiency.
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