MARGAO: Chief Elated that their pension scheme will be made permanent, seafarers from the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) commended CM Pramod Sawant for showing due respect to the community, which endures great hardships to keep the maritime industry running.
Frank Viegas, President of GSAI, emphasized the importance of providing seafarers with pension schemes that acknowledge their significant contribution to the industry. Viegas stated that retired seafarers should be able to retire happily while still contributing to the economic welfare of the Goan community. “GSAI’s efforts to advocate for the welfare of the seafarers’ community have yielded positive results. Seafarers perform one of the toughest jobs in the world, enduring high levels of stress and making difficult sacrifices,” said Viegas, adding that the pandemic has exacerbated the already difficult financial conditions of the industry, making it crucial to support seafarers.
Seafarers are key workers who maintain the world’s supply chain and keep global trade moving, even during the pandemic. “The pension scheme’s permanency is a welcome relief for retired seafarers and widows who will now benefit from it thanks to GSAI’s efforts and the advocacy of elected representatives,” he said. Former MP and NRI commissioner, Narendra Sawaikar, and Dixon Vaz, founder of GSAI, also thanked the government for their decision to make the pension scheme permanent.
