Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, August 22: Nearly 30-40 Local Merchant Navy Officers met the Director Shipping Services this morning alleging unfair practice by the Manning Agency in employing them.
The Local Merchant Navy Officers alleged that the manning agency of DSS i.e ABS Marine has given chance to the mainland Merchant Navy Officers in the Ships of Andaman Nicobar Administration even after the Local Candidates are waiting from months to get employed.
According to the Local Merchant Navy Officers the agreement clause number 2.6 made between the DSS and ABS Marine has not been followed by the Manning Agency ABS Marine where it is stated that if the Local Merchant Navy Officers is available for services than the Manning agency cannot employ any Mainland Merchant Navy Officers, which, according to the local officers, has recent been violated.
“Nearly 5 of our Local Merchant Navy Officers are available and waiting from months to get employment but the Manning agency has recently employed mainland Merchant Navy Officers, which is totally unjustified,” said the working president of State Seafarer Confederation of India, Mr Liju Thankachan.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, the Director, Directorate of Shipping Services, Capt (IN) Rajinder Kumar said that the matter will be looked into. As per details he has also received a representation as well as a written complaint from the Local Merchant Navy Officers.
“Within three days action will be taken in this regard and the result will be communicated to the Local Merchant Navy Officers,” Capt Rajinder Kumar said.
