MARGAO: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s absence in Goa has upset the Goa Seamen Association of India who are awaiting a solution to their problem of the deadline set up by Seafarers Welfare Fund Society to accept the lump sum amount of Rs 12,500 in lieu of the ex-gratia they used to be paid every month.
Anthony D’Souza who looks after the NRI affairs told the seamen delegation that only the chief minister would be able to explain what transpired at the meeting with Director General of Shipping. However, the seamen are worried as the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society has set September 30 as the deadline to accept the scheme.
This matter has been hanging fire while earlier it was not taken up as the assembly was in session and after that due to the chief minister’s illness. Spokesperson for the seamen Dixon Vaz appealed to the chief secretary to intervene in the absence of the chief minister and give the seafarers some relief.
