It is very obvious that the government of Goa has no empathy for seafarers. In the absence of employment opportunities in Goa, the seafarers at great personal hardship and risk to their lives, have embraced this profession, which helps them put food on the table, besides contributing to the economy of the State.
While other States are doing their best to relieve the plight of those who are suffering from the economic consequences of this pandemic, our government is dithering over a no brainer decision like prioritising vaccine for seafarers.
A concerted effort to vaccinate the seafarers would go a long way to help them get their jobs back. Of particular concern is the fact that Goans who were often preferred as crew by global shipping companies are losing out on opportunities.
As mentioned in one of our dailies ‘the imported’ elite IAS cadres and politicians functioning in our government have neither clues nor any interest about ground realities in Goa.
South Goa, from where the majority of the seafarers hail, is at the receiving end of second class treatment from the ruling classes.
Will the High Court have to step in once again to advise governments to do the right thing for their citizens?
