20th Meeting of the National Welfare Board of Seafarers held; Government to bring Bill on Rights for Seafarers Soon

The 20th meeting of the National Welfare Board of Seafarers held here today. This was the first meeting of the Board after its reconstitution in November, 2010.The Union Minister of Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan said in his opening remarks that the Government is very keen to strengthen the welfare schemes for seafarers. A number of issues including revamping of Welfare Schemes of SWFS, Contributory Annuity Scheme of SPFO, Welfare measures initiated for seafarers, Augmenting the facilities of Seamen Welfare Clubs at different ports, etc. were discussed.

 

Shri Vasan informed that the process of ratifying the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 by India which is described as the Bill on Rights for Seafarers is on and is expected to be done very soon. Similarly comprehensive amendments to the STCW Convention 1995 will come into effect from January, 2012, Shri Vasan added.

Referring to the piracy issue, Shri Vasan said it continues to be a matter of serious concern for the entire shipping trade and that the Indian seafarers are among the most affected because of piracy. He said that the Government at the highest level is seized of this issue and handling the situation in the best possible way.

Announcing that the first International Seafarer’s Day will be celebrated on 25th June this year, the Minister said that certain measures will be identified that will boost the morale of the Indian seafarers .

Secretary, Shipping, Shri K. Mohandas, DG, Shipping and other officials also attended the day-long deliberations. 

Courtesy : PIB