Indian Navy Declared 2024 as ‘Year of Naval Civilians’
Context:
Recently, Indian Navy has declared 2024 as the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ to improve the administration, efficiency and well-being of Naval Civilians by addressing all facets of Civilian HR Management in a time-bound manner.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Security)
Civilian Workforce in the Navy :
- Naval Civilian Personnel constitute about a third of the Indian Navy’s total workforce and contribute significantly to its operational effectiveness across all domains.
- Civilian personnel impact the overall performance of Naval formations such as Command Headquarters, Dockyards, Material Organisations, Naval Armament Depots, Naval Armament Inspectorates, Training Establishments and several other types of support units.
- Declaring 2024 as the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ is a step in improving the administration, training and welfare of the civilians working in the Navy.
Navy’s aim:
- Focus on improving administrative efficiency.
- Identify digital initiatives for implementation in 2024.
- Implement a range of welfare initiatives, including health programs, recreational facilities, and social support systems.
- Provide impetus to administration, training, and welfare.
Naval Legacy of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji:
- Shivaji recognized the importance of a robust navy and efficient port system to defend against adversaries after getting inspired by the conflicts with Siddis and Portuguese naval.
- He strategically constructed coastal forts like Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg to safeguard Maratha territories from naval invasions.
- Under Shivaji’s leadership, the Maratha navy thrived by establishing strongholds at Kolaba, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, and Ratnagiri.
- It successfully countered Portuguese and British advances for over four decades with over 500 ships.
- Post-Shivaji Decline: Following Shivaji’s demise in 1680, the Maratha navy experienced a decline in power and influence.
