MARGAO
The Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) on Thursday handed over a memorandum to the NRI Commissioner, Narendra Sawaikar with a plea to take the issue of CDC with the Union Shipping Ministry and to tone up the manpower and other facilities at the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Vasco for the benefit of the seafarers.
The GSAI also raised the issue of the long delay in disbursing the pensions for the retired seafarers and widows.
A delegation of GSAI and seafarers called on the NRI Commissioner during his visit to the South Goa BJP office in the city here and explained to him the difficulties and hardships faced by the seafarers because of the CDC issue.
They expressed concern over the Director General of Shipping order dated November 12, 2020, saying nothing much has benefited the Goan seafarers and seafarers in general who have been waiting to re-apply for the Indian CDC.
GSAI President Frank Viegas said the seafarers have requested the NRI Commissioner to take up with the Union Shipping Ministry to consider granting one more year relaxation or extend pardon to the seamen by giving them relaxation who have been working and have secured jobs for the past so many years.
He further said the delegation took up with the NRI Commissioner the absence of facilities at the MMD, Vasco, thereby causing delay in obtaining BSID for the seafarers.
“The MMD office has poor internet connectivity and has scarce manpower hardly adequate to meet the requirements of the seafarers. This has caused delays in issuing the BSID for the seafarers, leaving them no option than to wait for three months, or to obtain the BSID from Mumbai or Mangalore,” he added.
To a question, Frank said the NRI Commissioner has promised to take up the matter with the Union Shipping Minister for the benefit of Goan seafarers.
