MARGAO
The Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) is keeping its fingers crossed over Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s assurance to restart the pension scheme for the retired seafarers and widows.
The GSAI had called off its peaceful protest at the instance of the Chief Minister after he promised to restart the pension scheme for the retired seafarers and widows.
GSAI president Frank Viegas said almost 10 days have passed since the committee members had called on the Chief Minister, the retired seafarers and their widows are now pinning their hopes that the CM’s assurance becomes a reality before Diwali.
He further said the seafarers’ community i surprised by the dreadful silence of the ministers and MLAs, who have not taken up the issue with the Chief Minister to resolve it as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Frank said Ayush Minister Shripad Naik who is in Delhi will be taking up the issue of seafarers who are been debarred for a period of five years from applying for the Indian CDC.
He said GSAI brought to the attention of the Shipping Minister and Director General of Shipping to resolve the issue on priority basis since most of the shipping companies/port authorities are insisting on having Indian CDC as a mandatory document.
