TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: The Goan Seamen Association of India has adopted a resolution demanding that the Indian government ratify the Seafarers Bill of Rights for the benefit of the seafarers community.
The GSAI also adopted a resolution asking the Goa government to immediately set up a Seafarers Cell to cater to the growing requirements of the Goa Seafarers.
At the annual general body meeting of GSAI held on October 29, the Association has decided to create employment for medically unfit seafarers or retired seafarers willing to work.
“Several countries across the world have ratified ILO’s Seafarers Bill of Rights, which would secure the right of the seafarers. GSAI will soon hand over a memorandum to the Indian government to get the Bill of Rights passed at the earliest”, informed GSAI vice-president Frank Viegas.
He said the meeting took cognisance of the Goa government’s failure to set up the seafarer’s cell despites promises, adding that GSAI will send a reminder to the government to constitute the Cell on a priority basis in the interest of the seafarers community.
The issue of seven months contract for ratings and the absence of holiday on Diwali, besides home travel ticket were also discussed at the meet.
Meanwhile, general secretary of the Maritime Union of India S S Khan visited GSAI office and interacted with the members at Madel. Viegas said that Khan has promised to take up the issue of welfare benefits flowing to the seaman (officers) and has assured to return back to Goa again.
