MARGAO
Assuring the Goan seafarers that the CDC issue will be resolved on priority given that he is now in-charge of the shipping portfolio, Union Minister Shripad Naik on Wednesday batted for a permanent pension scheme for the retired seafarers and widows so that the beneficiaries need not knock on the government’s door again and again.
“It has been brought to my notice that the pension scheme for seafarers and widows, revived only recently, is temporary in nature. I will take up the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to come out with permanent pension scheme for the retired seafarers and widows. The beneficiaries need not knock the government doors again and again for pension”, the newly-appointed Union Minister of state for Shipping said while speaking as a Chief guest at a function organized by the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) to launch Seafarers Covid kits, oxygen cylinders and Wheelchairs to the Seafarers.
On the contentious CDC issue, Shripad recalled that he had got relief for the seafarers who were banned from applying for the CDC. “Now, GSAI president Frank Viegas and others have drawn my attention that around 75 seafarers are still struggling to get the CDC. Since the Shipping portfolio is with me, I will ensure that appropriate decision is taken to give relief to the remaining 75 seafarers”, he assured.
While promising to resolve all issues plaguing the seafarers community since he is now holding the shipping portfolio, the Union Minister recognized the contribution made by the Goan seafaring community to the state’s economy over the years. “We should know that not everyone in the state. Our youth have abroad to work on board vessels to making a living for them and their families and have contributed immensely to take the Goan economy forward. We cannot forget the contribution of the seafarers and it is our responsibility to resolve their issues”, he said.
Shripad added: “We should unitedly face all issues. The GSAI is in touch with me taking up issues affecting the seafarers. It is our responsibility to address your problem.”
Fr Doel Dias blessed the COVID safety items and prayed upon the wellbeing of Seafarers community and emphasized to carry on their good work which GSAI is been doing for the betterment of the society.
GSAI President Frank Viegas took the opportunity to bring to the attention of the Minister to withdraw the Debarment order from applying Indian CDC vide circular DGS order no.F.No.CR/CDC /09/2015 Dated 07/03/2016. So that the remaining Seafarers who were still debarred from applying Indian CDC due to the ban of the allocated time period from applying
He also submitted a memorandum to the Minister for Shipping along with the list of the seafarers to give them relief and protect their jobs. “Due to our good work the International organization have come forward with the Covid care kits, which the Funds are being contributed by the shipping companies to Seafarers international Relief fund UK and Sailors Society took the initiative to recognize GSAI to implement for the welfare of Goan Seafarers who will benefit out of it”, he said.
Beny Da Costa Secretary raised the issue of the Seafarers pension scheme in Goa and requested the Minister to request the CM Dr Pramod Sawant to make the scheme permanent.
GSAI vice president, Gabrial Pinto thanked the Sailors society UK, and seafarers international Relief fund UK, Maritime union of India who were kind enough to donate 15 oxygen cylinders and all those who contributed towards this project .
