MARGAO
Absence of a permanent pension scheme for the retired Goan seafarers and the widows took the centrestage at the International Seafarers Day observed by the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Saturday.
If the GSAI president, Frank Viegas took the platform of the International Seafarers Day to make fervent plea to the Goa government to make the Goa Welfare Pension scheme for retired seafarers and widows permanent and to enroll new members, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Commissioner, NRI Affairs Narendra Sawaikar also insisted on making the pension scheme permanent.
In fact, Sardesai promised the seafaring community why the government has till date not made the pension scheme permanent for the retired seafarers and widows.
In his welcome speech, Frank Viegas said, “I plead with the government of Goa to make the Goa welfare pension schemes for retired seafarers and widows permanent and to also consider new applicants.”
During his address, the Fatorda MLA called for giving recognition and protection for the Goan seafarers for their immense contribution to the State over the years. “As lawmakers, we must ask ourselves whether we are offering the seafarers the comfort and security that they seek for themselves and their families. After long stretches of time away from their loved ones, after the hard work and perseverance at sea, are they likely to face bigger storms at home when they decide to come back, or god forbid, when they lose their employment for no fault of theirs? Are we helping them navigate their lives here in their own State with regard to their families.”
He added: Every Goan seafarer deserves a fulfilling and happy future not only because of their contribution to their State and country but also because of the fact that they are Goenkars and it’s our duty and responsibility to embrace them warmly and take care of their families when they are away. Are our laws inadequate and our policies insensitive to their aspirations and apprehensions? These are the serious issues we must remember today, and I for one, pledge to do my very best to address both the problems I outlined here briefly ““ of seafarer perception and seafarer reality““and to use my offices to create the necessary policy infrastructure to ensure a good life for our Tarvottis both at sea and on land.
Sardesai said he will work towards a definitive road map that will comprehensively address and seek to resolve issues that the seafarers face.
In his address, Commissioner, NRI Affairs Narendra Sawaikar said the pension scheme was introduced by former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar for the benefit of the Goan seafarers. He, however, said certain problems later cropped up in the implementation of the scheme.
“Until yesterday, my office has worked overtime to ensure that all the beneficiaries of the pension scheme receive the pension amount in their accounts”, he said, adding that his office will continue to the follow up with the government to make the scheme permanent.
“Seafarers have made immense contributions to the State and society. We will always stand by you to address the issues facing the community. We also want your support and love to serve you,” Sawaikar added.
