lRequest for hike from Rs 200 to Rs 5,000 per month
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Goan Retired Seamen Welfare Association (GRSWA) has urged Union Tourism Minister Shripad Naik and South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar to impress upon the Centre to ensure a hike in the ex-gratia monetary assistance for retired seamen.
A GRSWA delegation led by President Ifrona Dias called on the MP and the minister and submitted a memorandum highlighting the issues facing retired Indian seafarers. The delegation included Secretary Peter Crasto, treasurer Augustine Fernandes, Advisor Melson Luis, and members of the executive committee comprising Nelson Mazarello, Moses Coutinho, Felix Coutinho and Suresh Desai.
While congratulating the duo on their election in the Lok Sabha poll, the delegation impressed upon both Shripad and Sawaikar to seek the intervention of the Centre to resolve the long-standing demand of retired seafarers for a hike in the ex-gratia monetary assistance. Drawing the attention of the two MPs that retired seafarers and widows presently receive a paltry ex-gratia monetary assistance of Rs 200 per month, the delegation called for a hike in the ex-gratia relief to a minimum Rs 5,000 per month taking into account the high cost of living. Ifrona later told the media that both Sripad and Sawaikar have assured to take up their demands with Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari.
