Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Capt. VENZY VIEGAS has filed a PIL to declare Goan Seafarers as Frontline workers in the state & prioritise vaccination.
The petition in Bench of Bombay Hugh Court at Goa asks for directions to nclude Seafarers as Frontline Workers in the Goa State workers list and immediately prioritise vaccination for Goan Seafarers.
“As per Directive of Union Ministry for Shipping, Part & waterways issued on 7 May 2021and all major ports including Mormugao Port Trust were instructed to commence vaccination centre for seafarers,” petitioner said.
He says as per DG Circular No. 10 of 2021 dated 28 April 2021 & Circular No.15 of 2021 dated 15 May 2021, Seafarers above 45 years of age and Seafarers below 45 years were advised to utilize the vaccination centres at the 11 major listed ports.
“However, as per information available, Government of Goa has not allotted any vaccines to Mormugao Port Trust (MPT). Government has not shown any concern towards Goan Seafarers and is lacking complete foresight and there is no pro activeness on their part, petitioner says.
He adds, Goa Government has recently announced new categories of personnel to be categorised as Frontline Workers such as Pharma Employees, owners of pharmacies and their employees, Drishti guards etc..
“However, despite previous appeals and the aforementioned clear directions from the concerned Union Ministry, Goan Seafarers have been completely neglected. On account of this, Shipping Companies have started hiring seafarers from other nations, as they are insisting on fully vaccinated status of the seafarers in the interest of crew safety. This is leading to further worsening of the job crisis & financial insecurity for Goan Seafarers,” he added.
He said therefore he strongly appeals to include Seafarers as Frontline workers in Goa State workers list, to what Kerala State has done and immediate prioritise vaccination for Seafarers in the State.