MARGAO
The Goan Seaman Association of India further stated that only 3,000 retired seafarers have been obtaining pension, while pointing out that no one has questioned the hundreds of migrants who have been receiving DSSS pension in the state.
Addressing the media, newly-elected GSAI president Franklin D'Costa demanded a hike in the pension amount from Rs 2500 to Rs 5,000 per month for seafarers. He also demanded that the Goa government should approach the Centre to hike the monthly pension of Rs 200 for retired seafarers and widows from the NUSI Welfare fund.
While lamenting that the NUSI hospital has been shut down for more than a year, Franklin demanded that the Goa government take over the hospital at Panzorconne and provide medical facilities for the seafarer community.
While complimenting the opposition in the Goa Legislative Assembly for moving a resolution to hike the monthly pension for the retired seafarers and widows to Rs 5,000, Franklin expressed optimism that the government would take suitable a decision and give effect to the resolution.
GSAI spokesman and outgoing president, Dixon Vaz told the media that the seafarer community has special reasons for demanding a hike in the pension amount to Rs 5,000 a month. "Seafarers have contributed immensely to the economy of the state and without posing any burden to the government on the employment front," he said.
Dixon said the seafarers are even ready to contributed directly to the state government's kitty via the remittances if there's an assurance of returns as well as retirement benefits for the community.
On the question of threats received by retired seafarers for allegedly receiving both DSSS and seafarers pension, Dixon said the government can work out a solution to the issue, adding that taking the retired seafarers to the police station is not the solution. "There are some aged seafarers who may not be in a position to pay back the amount," he added.
