(a) whether the Government proposes to strengthen the welfare schemes for seafarers in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has made consultations with various stakeholders before finalization of such welfare schemes and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which the Government proposes to finalize such welfare schemes for seafarers in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)
(a): Yes, Madam. The Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2005 have been amended through Notification G.S.R. 33 (E) dated 16.01.2014 to provide for welfare fund contribution per seaman per annum by the Recruitment and Placement Service Providers to the Seafarer’s Welfare Fund Society, Mumbai in the case of both Indian and foreign flag ships.
(b): The said provision was made after consultations with the stakeholders including the representatives of ship-owners and seafarers.
(c): Pursuant to the said notification, Directorate General of Shipping has issued order No. 16 of 2014 outlining the details of Survival Benefit Scheme, Invalidity Benefit Scheme and Maternity benefit Scheme to be administered by the Seafa- rer’s Welfare Fund Society. The Schemes would apply to those eligible on or after 21.08.2014.