Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 21: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday, October 20 assured to resolve the issues regarding pension scheme to retired seamen after the delegation of association submitted a letter to the chief minister seeking the release of funds under Goa welfare pension scheme. The pension is said to be pending since October 2019.

President of the association Frank Viegas said, "The CM told us he has given instructions to his OSD to clear the files."

Since October 2019 pension is said to be pending of around 2500 to 3500 retired seafarers and widows of seafarers registered under the scheme. “We have demanded that the backlog be paid to those under the scheme. The international maritime organisation has identified seafarers as key workers during the pandemic but former chief minister Manohar Parrikar already recognized the importance of seafarers when he started the scheme. It should not be discontinued," Viegas said.

He further added that seafarers contribute a great deal to the economy.

Gabriel Pinto, vice president of the association said, "We hope that Dr Pramod Sawant makes the scheme permanent. He told us there was no need to agitate further. Seafarers are the second line of defence. Those in merchant navy can be called at any time in the event of war."

In April the association had met the chief minister regarding the pension and the chief minister had assured to dispense pension by May but the government failed to disburse for which the association carried out the peaceful protest.