The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has approached the Tamil Nadu government, urging it to establish a financial assistance program in the form of a monthly pension for low-paid retired seafarers residing in the coastal districts of the state. They proposed this initiative should mirror a similar scheme already implemented by the Goa government that supports retired seafarers who previously held low-paying jobs at sea.
On Monday, T. Narendra Rao, the Vice-President of both the Madras Port & Dock Employees Union and FSUI, along with Aishwarya Nandakishor Pilankar and Sanjam Sahi Gupta, met with Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam to advocate for the launch of this pension program. FSUI is affiliated with international organizations such as the UK’s International Transport Workers’ Federation, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, and the Water Transport Workers Federation of India.
Rao highlighted that there are approximately 25,000 retired seafarers in Tamil Nadu, alongside another 25,000 still in service. In June 2021, the Goa government introduced a pension scheme offering a gross monthly pension of ₹2,500 to retired Indian seafarers who had engaged in low-paid maritime roles, which encompass positions such as deckhands, engineers, catering staff, utility hands, carpenters, chief stewards, mechanics, and non-certified officers like clerks.
Tamil Nadu is home to a substantial number of both active and retired seafarers, particularly in coastal districts including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Kanyakumari, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Tiruvarur, Thiruvallur, Thanjavur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Villupuram. Many of these seafarers have dedicated decades of service to the maritime sector, both nationally and internationally, according to Rao.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention C071 (1948) encourages member countries to establish pension systems for seafarers. Despite India being a founding member of the ILO and ratifying the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, it still lacks a comprehensive pension scheme for seafarers.
Rao appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to take the initiative in addressing this pressing issue by implementing a Seafarers Pension Policy, aimed at ensuring financial stability for retired seafarers and their families. He also mentioned that FSUI plans to extend this request to other coastal states.
Additionally, he noted that FSUI is leading several initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering seafarers, including the Jalpari initiative, which focuses on promoting women in maritime careers, encouraging overseas job opportunities for Indian seafarers, and advocating for special recognition of Merchant Navy personnel.
