MARGAO
On the occasion of National Maritime Day, seafarers under the banner of Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) on Saturday made a fervent plea to the government to bring about welfare reforms for the benefit of the seafaring community.
The seafarers have appealed to the Union Shipping Ministry as well as the Director General of Shipping to initiate a dedicated government contribution towards the Seafarers Welfare Fund, which will significantly enhance the financial security and well-being of our maritime workforce.
Addressing the media, GSAI President Frank Viegas said the organisation has written a letter to the Union Minister for Shipping and the Director of Shipping drawing their attention to a matter of grave concern regarding the stagnation in welfare contributions by shipping companies towards the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS).
He said it is unfortunate that for over a decade, there has been no increment in the welfare contribution from the following sectors: Foreign Flag - Foreign Going Vessels. Indian Flag - Foreign Going Vessels. Indian Flag - Home Trade Vessels.
“With the rising cost of living, medical expenses, and socio-economic challenges faced by our seafaring community, the existing welfare contributions fall short of meeting even basic welfare expectations. This stagnancy directly affects the benefits available to retired or distressed seafarers and their families,” he said.
GSAI has also appealed to the central government or the State government especially in Kerala, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc to introduce seafarers welfare scheme similar to Goa seafarers welfare pension scheme for retired seafarers and widows where an amount of Rs 2,500 per month is given as financial assistance by government of Goa through NRI department.
