Sheekha Bureau
Port Blair, Nov 18: The Seafarers Confederation of India (SCI) has registered strong objection over reported move of the Shipping Services to extend the officers’ manning contract to a private manning agent.
In a letter addressed to the CS, the General Secretary of the Seafarers Confederation of India , Mr Liju Thankachan alleged that the private manning contractor who entered into contract agreement with the Director of Shipping Services (DSS) since 2004 onwards are exploiting the Local Officers in various aspects.0
Mr Thankachan also requested the administration to follow the order passed by the Lt Governor which was published in the Daily Telegram dated 28th May 2014 thereby directing the Director of Shipping Services to gear up to undertake officer manning of Foreshore Sector Vessels directly as two years of time period complying with Lt Governors order will expire on 27th May 2016.
Further talking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr Ashok Kumar, General Secretary of BMS to which the Seafarers Confederation of India is affiliated, said that if the Shipping Department extends the Contract agreement to private agent then BMS will go for a massive protest.
