Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goa Seamen Association of India (GSAI) has written to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, asking the Central government to consider offering Provident Fund, Gratuity and Pension to all ranks of seafarers working on Indian and foreign flagships.
“Seafarers perform one of the toughest jobs in the world by making difficult sacrifices and putting in real hard work. The difficult financial condition of the industry and the rapidly changing norms and regulations compounded by high expectations and high levels of stress, are forcing many seafarers into a condition of distress,” said GSAI President Frank Viegas. “GSAI demands to your good office (Shipping Minister) to consider Provident Fund, Gratuity and Pension for all ranks of our seafarers serving on Indian and foreign flagships of all types - that is Cruise Ships or Merchant Navy,” said Viegas, who was recently re-elected as the association’s President.
“It is our utmost concern that the seafarers should be given these facilities with due respect for their contribution towards the maritime industry so that at the time of retirement, they are retired happily,” Viegas added in his letter.
“This request would work in a great manner to retain professionals, who have started looking for better opportunities on shore and have already thought of quitting sea life. It will also attract the newer generation to consider taking up this profession,” Viegas added further.
GSAI also referred to the proposed amendments in the Seamen’s Provident Fund Act, 1966, through the Seamen’s Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Mumbai and Commissioner of the Seamen's Provident Fund Organisation (SPFO) have asked that comments/suggestions from stakeholders to the draft Bill be sent to their respective offices between February 21 and March 24, 2023.