Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), one of India’s best performing ports, hosted the Convention of Secretaries of Major Ports on November 29, 2024. The two-day event brought together delegates from major ports and senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). The convention was inaugurated by Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman of JNPA, in the presence of Sandeep Gupta, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, P.K. Roy, Director (PHRD), and Manisha Jadhav, General Manager (Administration) and Secretary, JNPA.
In his inaugural address, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, underlined JNPA’s dedication to driving collaboration and innovation within the port sector. He remarked, “JNPA initiated the Convention of Secretaries of Major Ports to encourage knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices to elevate the port sector and its workforce. We firmly believe that a motivated, high-spirited team of employees, HoDs, and leaders can achieve remarkable milestones. As India’s most efficient port, competing on par with global standards, JNPA prioritizes its workforce by facilitating international seminars, industry events, and regular training programs to enhance their skills and recognize their achievements.”
He further highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership, saying, “An approachable leadership team imbibes a sense of belonging among employees, making them feel valued and heard. Secretarial and administrative roles often go unacknowledged, but their contributions are integral to an organization’s success. Through this convention, we aim to address key topics such as creating a promotional calendar for employees, establishing training schedules, and exploring collaborative exchange programs with international ports. Regular conventions and annual departmental conferences will further enrich this initiative.”
The convention’s agenda included a series of impactful sessions:
- HR Challenges and Innovative Strategies: Addressing workforce dynamics, recruitment, and leadership development in the port sector.
- Welfare and Pay Structures: reviewing welfare measures, pay scales, and employee benefits.
- Cross-Learning Opportunities: Promoting collaborative training programs and sharing success stories on operational efficiency and community engagement from various ports.
- Stress Management: An interactive session conducted by a professional psychologist and coach.
The second day features a guided tour of the historic Elephanta Caves, offering a cultural experience to the attendees. The event will conclude with a recap of discussions and actionable outcomes from the convention.
By hosting this event, JNPA continues to reinforce its leadership role in the port sector while nurturing a culture of collaboration, innovation, and workforce development.
