MARGAO
He said the Seafarers Cell, which will operate under the NRI Commissioner, will be set up at the South Goa district Collectorate building, Margao. The South Goa MP announced the constitution of the Seafarers Cell when a delegation of the Goan Seamen Association of India called on him on Tuesday at the BJP’s Malbhat office with a host of issues facing the Goan seafarers.
The MP told the delegation led by GSAI president Dixn Vaz that the Union Shipping Ministry has constituted an advisory panel to study the issues plaguing the Indian shipping industry and the problems faced by the seafarers.
Sawaikar said he has asked for an appointment with the Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari to find a solution to the grievances faced by the Goan seafarers in respect of the retired seafarers.
On the reservations expressed by the GSAI president that cruise companies are deducting 10 dollars per seaman towards the NUSI welfare fund, Sawaikar said that the issue could be discussed with the Union Shipping Minister during the meeting expected later this month.
Meanwhile, the GSAI president told the media that the delegation has opposed the deductions of the cruise line crew members when the shipping companies were supposed to contribute to the welfare fund. Moreover, he pointed out that that the cruise line crew members have still not been told either by the companies or by the shipping ministry the benefits that will accrue to them because of these deductions.
Vaz has welcomed the announcement made by the South Goa MP on the approval granted by the Goa government for the setting up of a Seafarers Cell, saying it will go a long way in resolving the grieveances of the Goan seafarers.
