MARGAO: The Goan Seafarers Association of India (GSAI) has urged the Goa government, particularly the Home Department and NRI, to collaborate and expedite the evaluation and processing of pending applications for the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme. The association emphasized the importance of ensuring that deserving seafarers and widows receive the entitled benefits promptly.
Frank Viegas, President of GSAI, stressed that the government should recognise the significant contributions of Goan seafarers to the state’s socio-economic fabric. He called for concrete support and urged the government to prioritise the welfare of seafarers.
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The Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for Seafarers, introduced by the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, aims to provide financial support for retired seamen and widows. Acknowledging the challenges and risks associated with the seafaring profession, the scheme was initially implemented in 2012 as a gesture of gratitude and recognition.
However, after five years, the scheme was temporarily halted, leading to disappointment and unrest among seafarers who relied on the pension for their well-being. Despite their contributions to the maritime industry and the national economy, retired seafarers faced financial difficulties and a lack of support systems.
GSAI has been actively advocating for the welfare of seafarers and engaging with the government to address their concerns. After eight months of persistent efforts, the government reintroduced the scheme for a six-month period from June 1, 2021, to November 30, 2021. However, this short-term measure did not provide the desired stability and reassurance to those dependent on the pension scheme.
Recently, the government of Goa announced that the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for Seafarers would be available for only three years, as per the notification dated June 30, 2023. GSAI expressed disappointment over the government’s decision not to make the scheme permanent. The association highlighted that several deserving seafarers who submitted applications are now left in uncertainty, lacking a clear pathway to avail themselves of the promised benefits under the scheme.
