MARGAO: The National Union Seafarers of India (NUSI) has provided a boost to the seafarer’s community in Goa, by increasing the ex-gratia relief to widows of seafarers from Rs 200 to Rs 800. During a visit to the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) office in Margao, NUSI General Secretary cum Treasurer, Milind Kandalgaonkar, confirmed that the formalities for the revised sum had been completed and assured that the amount would be disbursed into the accounts of the widows.
The meeting between the two organizations touched upon various issues such as the defunct NUSI hospital in Cuncolim, construction of a community hall for seafarers, and streamlining the administration of NUSI’s office. Kandalgaonkar expressed his commitment to finding a solution to the defunct hospital issue and assured that it would be looked at on a priority basis. Additionally, NUSI will be providing essential food commodities to economically backward widows of seafarers.
However, Kandalgaonkar clarified that NUSI would be carrying out a survey to identify widows facing financial difficulties and fitting the required criteria for essential food rations. The meeting also discussed the provision of important courses at the NUSI Maritime Academy in Chinchinim.
GSAI President, Frank Viegas, requested NUSI’s intervention in allowing Goan seafarers to get their families to visit them on cruise ships that dock at Mormugao Port. Viegas pointed out that seafarers in Goa have been wanting the hospital to start again so that they can avail the health benefits and that the land had been given to NUSI for the purpose of starting the hospital.While Viegas was pleased with Kandalgaonkar’s personal visit, he stated that GSAI and NUSI will unitedly take up issues with the Union Ministry of Shipping and Directorate General of Shipping.
This includes a demand for offering exemptions to experienced seafarers regarding the cumbersome processes required for them to be allowed to resume work on ships.
