MARGAO:Expressing disappointment with the decision taken by the State government, the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) on Saturday demanded that the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme be made permanent. GSAI has given the government a deadline of December 13 to take a final call on the issue.
GSAI has also criticised Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas for welcoming the government’s decision to extend the scheme for another six months and requested him not to create confusion.
Addressing a press conference at Margao, President of GSAI Frank Viegas, in the presence of Vice-President Glen Lacerda, Secretary Michael Beny Da Costa, treasurer Santana Pereira, and others said that the recent announcement from the Director of NRI Affairs about the resumption of the scheme came as a blow to the seafarers’ community, that has been requesting a permanent pension scheme for the past three years.
“We can see the frustration and disappointment of the seafarers. This community is being taken for granted by the government,” said Viegas.
He said the government is talking about sustainable goals and happiness index but looks like it is not very serious on the issue.
“What is preventing the government from making this scheme permanent? What did the seafarer’s community do wrong? The CM needs to give us answers,” he asserted.
Viegas said that GSAI requested the government to reconsider their decision and appealed to all the 40 MLAs to push for a permanent pension scheme to be drafted immediately.
Michael Beny Da Costa condemned Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas for welcoming the government’s decision to extend the scheme, instead of making it permanent. “Being a seafarer himself, he should have pressurised the authorities to announce a permanent scheme,” he added.
