Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 24: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, met Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, at New Delhi today and apprised him of the long-pending issue relating to wage revision of the seafarers employed under the Directorate of Shipping Services, A&N Administration.
During the meeting, the Member of Parliament informed the Minister that the proposal for wage revision of these seafarers, which is required to be undertaken once in every two years, has already been referred to the Ministry for obtaining necessary approval, as the financial implication involved exceeds the powers of the Competent Authority.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray requested the Minister to kindly expedite the sanction of the proposal so that the admissible revised wages, including arrears, may be released to the seafarers in a timely manner. He highlighted that the matter is presently pending with the Ministry and early approval would provide much-needed relief to the seafarers and their families.
After hearing the matter, Minister assured the Hon’ble Member of Parliament that the issue would be examined and efforts would be made to expedite the same at the earliest.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has expressed hope that the Ministry will take an early decision in the matter in the interest of the seafarers employed under the Directorate of Shipping Services, A&N Administration.
