Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 July 2024
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Hon’ble Member of Parliament for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has called for immediate action regarding the wages of crew members working under the Directorate of Shipping Services. In a letter to the Chief Secretary of the A & N Administration, Ray highlighted the longstanding issue of stagnant wages for those posted on inter-island vessels.
The MP pointed out that the wages for crew members in the Inter-Island sector have not been revised since April 1, 2012. This is in stark contrast to employees in other sectors under the Administration, who have seen their wages updated regularly. The prolonged delay in wage revision has led to significant financial hardship for these crew members, making it difficult for them to meet their family’s needs.
Ray emphasized that many crew members have reached retirement age without receiving the wage benefits they are entitled to. These retired personnel are still awaiting arrears from the overdue wage revisions.
In his letter, the MP urged the Chief Secretary to personally intervene in this matter and issue appropriate directives to resolve the wage issue promptly. He stressed the urgency of addressing this long-pending matter to alleviate the financial struggles of the crew members and provide them with the benefits they deserve.