The Goa Government and especially the home department and NRI must come together in the interests of the seafarers’ community by expediting the evaluation and processing of pending applications, availability of new forms, putting the scrutiny committee in place etc, ensuring that all deserving seafarers/widows receive the benefits which they are entitled under the scheme. GSAI has expressed regret on the non-permanent nature of the Seafarers Pension Scheme.
GSAI said that the seafarers of Goa have contributed significantly to the socio-economic fabric of the state, and the government must reciprocate their dedication and service with concrete support.
The Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for Seafarers was introduced by the late Manohar Parrikar, former Chief Minister of Goa intends to provide financial support for retired seamen and widows. As seafaring is an arduous profession with its fair share of challenges and risks, the scheme was seen as a gesture of recognition and gratitude towards these hardworking individuals. Initially, the government declared the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for Seafarers in the year 2012 demonstrating its commitment to the seafaring community. However, after five years, the scheme was temporarily stopped, causing disappointment and unrest among many seafarers who relied on this pension for their well-being.
The nature of being a seafarer demands long periods of separation from families and exposes individuals to high levels of risk and uncertainty. Despite their immense contributions to the maritime industry and the national economy, the seafaring community remains vulnerable to financial difficulties and a lack of support systems once they retire. Therefore, the need for a sustainable pension scheme such as the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme is both justified and vital for their well-being.
Following relentless efforts The Goan Seafarers Association of India (GSAI) has made relentless efforts to advocate for the welfare of seafarers and has actively engaged with the government to address their concerns due to the persistence and efforts made by GSAI, after 18 months the government reintroduced the scheme Notification No. 4/9/2020-HD(F&CD)/NRI/181 Dated: 25th June 2021 for a mere 6-month period from 1st June 2021 upto 30th November 2021 offering not much relief to the seafarers and no new forms were issued or those who have applied we’re not processed. However, this short-term measure did not provide the desired stability and reassurance to those dependent on the pension scheme and has further exacerbated tensions within the seafaring community. It raises questions about the government’s commitment to the welfare and interests of seafarers, leaving them in a vulnerable position once again.
Later the subsequent extension of the scheme by another 11 months as per the provisions contained in the Notification No. 4/9/2020-HD(F&CD)/NRI/05 Dated: 06/01/2022 which was from December 2021 to November 2022. Later for another 6 months as per Notification No. 4/9/2020-HD(F&CD)/NRI/357 Dated: 23/11/2022, While this extension offered temporary respite, it fell short of providing a permanent solution, leaving many seafarers uncertain about their future.
Regrettably, the Government of Goa recently announced that the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for Seafarers will now only be available for three years as per the Notification No. 4/9/2020-HD(F&CD)/NRI/222 Dated: 30/06/2023 and is yet to be made permanent. It is disheartening to note that the government has not given due consideration to several deserving seafarers who have already submitted their applications for the scheme to the NRI department continuous changes in the scheme’s duration and the exclusion of new applicants have caused confusion and frustration among the seafaring community leaving many aspiring beneficiaries without a clear pathway to avail themselves of the benefits promised under the scheme.
