August 3, 2022
Luizinho Faleiro’s Zero Hour mention on the need for the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to restart the pension scheme for former seafarers of Goa because of their worsened economic situation
Mr. Chairman, Sir, I wish to inform that prior to the liberation of Goa, 1961, Goa’s economy was a ‘money order’ economy because, virtually, every Goan was working abroad. Every alternate house, there was a seafarer who was working abroad. I am very happy that the seafarers’ community in Goa has played a very immense contribution not only for the economy of Goa but also for the economy of the country because they used to remit foreign exchange which is very precious for the country. During Covid-19, we are very proud that the Goan seafarers have played a yeoman service all over the world. They worked hard. Today, what pains me is that even though every alternate
house in Goa is a seaman, their condition is very bad. Because of overall economic meltdown, there is rampant unemployment and there is hardly any system to give them pension. Today, I request Mr. Chairman that the
Shipping Ministry should look into the matter. They were getting a pension of Rs.200/- per month. That also has stopped. It is a shame that these people who have played such a great role in the history of this country are
today not having any pension scheme and also not having any ex-gratia. The Rs.200/- ex-gratia has also stopped now. So, I request you to please either enhance this amount or bring an honourable pension scheme so that they and their families can live a life of honour and dignity for having contributed so immensely for the economy of this country.
