Cabinet approves change in status of international marine body

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its approval for International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) to change its status from an NGO to Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO).

An official release said the move will foster "safe, economic and efficient movement of vessels".

It said the move will bring IALA at par with International Maritime Organisation and International Hydrographic Organisation .

IALA, headquartered at St. Germainen Laye (France) was established in 1957 under French law. Its council consists of 24 national members and India is one of them, represented through the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), which establishes and maintains aids to navigation in general waters along coast of India including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep group of islands, as per Lighthouse Act 1927.

In its 12th session held in Spain's La Coruna in May 2014, the IALA general assembly adopted a resolution stating its firm belief that the status of IALA from NGO to IGO will best facilitate its aims in the 21st century.

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