MARGAO: The seafarers community of Goa is very upset and in a confused state with regard to the promise given by the government to make the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for seafarers permanent. And hence, the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) on Friday urged the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to put the issue to rest before declaration of elections.
Speaking to media persons, Frank Viegas, President of GSAI questioned whether CM had any sympathy for Goenkar. “Why is it a lip service to the seafarers community when assurance was given by the Sawant himself in front of Churchill Alemao and Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa?, he asked.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“GSAI had requested to put the issue to rest once and for all by making the Goa Welfare Pension Scheme for seafarers permanent and to consider new applicants who have already missed six months benefits of the scheme, which they would have been entitled to if the NRI department had considered new applicants”, he stated.
He further said that the scheme was started by then Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar, and asked as to why the seafarers are kept guessing or fingers crossed if the scheme will continue or not?
“GSAI has time and again brought to the notice of the CM office and NRI commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar but in vain. The beneficiaries, who most of them are senior citizens, widows and medically unfit, have to run pillar to post just to avail information or to do documentation”, he claimed.
“At the recent cabinet meeting why the ministers of seamen dominated constituencies were silent? Not even a single minister extended his support and promised Rs 5000 per month”, Frank stated.
GSAI has appealed to the CM to consider their request and to settle their long pending demand once and for all.
