MARGAO
The Goan seafaring community received a pat on its back from none other than Union Minister Shripad Naik, with the senior BJP leader describing the seafarers as ambassadors of the state having contributed immensely to its economy.
The Union Minister assured the seafarers that he would again discuss with Union Shipping Minister on reduction of the ban period on seafarers from three to two years to benefit the seafaring community.
That’s not all. The Union Minister further said that young Goan boys and girls, by opting for a career in seafaring, have reduced the government’s burden on providing them jobs in the State.
He was speaking at a blood donation camp organised by Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) to mark its 10 years.
Applauding the 20,000 strong seafaring community in Goa, Shripad said, “By opting for seafaring as a career, our youngsters have stood on their own legs without depending on the government for jobs and have also contributed to the economic growth.”
While complimenting GSAI for taking up cudgels for the seafaring community, he assured all help and assistance to the seafarers to resolve their grievances.
In his address, Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai said while it was a fact that the seafarers were the true ambassadors of Goa, they had received a raw deal from the Goa government during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our Goan seafarers had to face the brunt at the hands of the government when they wanted to return to their homeland. The government gave the impression that the seafarers would bring Covid to the state, but on the contrary, it was imported into the state from red zones,” he said.
Sardesai pointed out that while the seafarers have been the ambassadors, the Goa government betrayed the community by not lending a helping hand in times of the Covid crisis.
