Retired Seamen Seek Hike In Pension

New Delhi: The Retired Indian Seamen''s Association has appealed to the Centre to consider its long-pending demand of increasing the monthly pension granted to the retired Indian seafarers from Rs. 200 to Rs. 3,000.

The Association with a membership of about 22,000 retired seamen all over the country expressed concern over the continued neglect of their grievances at a time when even contract labourers were enjoying the benefit of Provident Fund, gratuity and medical facilities.

Association president Y. Arunachalam and other office-bearers told reporters here on Friday that the Association had made a representation to the Minister for Shipping and Surface Transport to consider the demand to enhance the monthly pension to Rs. 3,000. Other suggestions include setting up of a welfare fund for retired seamen to provide services like disability help line services, care services for the disabled and chronically sick retired seamen.Mr. Arunachalam wanted the government to have a realistic look into the grievances of seafarers as a whole, which includes marine engineers and navigating officers. He requested the Ministry to form a committee to look into the implementation of the suggestions given by the Association.

He said even the Khalasis, at the lowest rungs of the Port Trust, are enjoying better after service/retirement benefits, while we, the specialised trade, who meet exigencies out at sea are deprived of the same benefits.