MARGAO
The Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) has sent a strong message to the government headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant not to take the seafarers for granted and to come out with a permanent pension scheme for the retired seafarers and the widows.
The issue of seafarers’ welfare pension scheme by the NRI department, Government of Goa came up for discussion at the GSAI annual general body meeting held at the Ravindra Bhavan Margao, presided over by President Frank Viegas, wherein members gave vent to their feelings how the government has been taking the seafarers for granted.
Members pointed out though the order on pension for the retired seafarers expired on November 30, the government has neither extended the scheme, nor has come out with a permanent pension scheme.
Saying the seafaring community would be grateful to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant if the pension scheme is made permanent, the meeting resolved the government make the scheme permanent and to consider new applicants who are eligible which the seafarers and their families will react for their negligence and for taking seafarers community for granted.
Members were also updated on the status of the court case in the High Court of Bombay at Goa in respect of the writ petition no. 52 of 2019 which the GSAI had filed to seek justice for the seafarers who were receiving Rs 200 per month from the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society which was suddenly brought to the notice of seafarers to settle with Rs 12,500 as a final settlement.
