New Delhi, July 20: During his recent visit to Delhi, D. Ayyappan, President, Hinterland Seamen Union (CITU) submitted two letters to the Home Secretary and Secretary (Expdr), Ministry of Finance, Government of India urging them to accord approval to the proposal sent to the Govt of India by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for the wage revision of the seamen of A & N Administration owned vessels. Ayyappan submitted before the Government of India that the wage revision of crew members of inter-island sector vessels is due from April, 2012 while those of Foreshore sector are due from April, 2018 even though the wage revision is mandatorily to be carried out after every two years. Thus, the crew members of Inter-island and Foreshore sector are getting the wages fixed 16 years ago and 10 years ago respectively. Union further submitted that the wage revision in the above two sectors has been finalized but could not be implemented as the Administration submitted the wage revision proposal to the Government for its approval.
Explaining the miserable condition of the seamen, President, Hinterland Seamen Union stated that unlike other categories of employees, the crew members of shipping sector are not getting any annual increment or DA, and they find it difficult to meet both ends with the meagre income they are getting at present.
Ayyappan urged the Home Secretary and Secretary (Expdr), Government of India to look into this matter and direct the officials concerned to convey the approval of the Government of India for the wage revision of crew members of inter-island and foreshore sectors of the Shipping Department of Andaman & Nicobar Administration, considering the fact that these crew members are still drawing the wages fixed 16 years ago without any hike.
D. Ayyappan also discussed this matter with the officers concerned of the Department of Expenditure.