Team Herald
MARGAO: Goan Seamen Association of India (Goa) on Saturday has yet again urged Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and NRI Commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar to make the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for seafarers/widows permanent.
In the letter to Chief Minister, GSAI requested to consider new applicants who are eligible for Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for seafarers/widow.
“There are many retired seafarers and widows who are yet to apply for the scheme and are eagerly waiting for the new forms to be received from the NRI Department as the scheme will end on November 30, 2021”, said Frank Viegas, GSAI president.
He called for considering the previous applicants’ forms which are not scrutinized as yet.
“This pension scheme has been a financial support for the retired seamen and widows, who have contributed to the growth of our economy and development of the State. If the scheme continues for lifelong the retired seamen and widows will be grateful to the government of Goa for supporting them in their hard times”, he said.
GSAI also brought to the attention of NRI Director that of the total beneficiaries some seafarers /widows have not yet submitted their life certificates to receive their pension due to various reasons. If the data is furnished to the association, GSAI will take the initiative to reach out to them so that maximum will benefit from it.”
Frank said, “This will be a blessing on the State exchequer and not a burden since they are also our senior citizens, who are mostly dependent on it. To make the scheme permanent was already brought to the notice of the Chief Minister earlier.
“Since the notification is considered only for six months, that is from June 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021 it is a matter of concern to our retired seafarers and widows, so the beneficiaries need not knock the government’s doors again and again for pension,” he added.
