The SWFS has unveiled an Old Age Benefit Scheme providing a one-time financial assistance of Rs one lakh to seafarers who have completed 75 years of age as on January 1, 2026. However, according to seafarer representatives, the eligibility criteria effectively leave out a large section of elderly retired seafarers who had already crossed the age of 75 before that date, as well as widows of deceased seafarers.
Taking up the issue, the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) has demanded that the scheme be broadened to include all retired seafarers aged 75 years and above, along with widows of deceased seafarers.
Addressing the media, GSAI president Frank Viegas said the association has written to the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, seeking his immediate intervention to ensure a more inclusive implementation of the scheme.
“We have requested the Minister to review the eligibility conditions of the SWFS Old Age Benefit Scheme and extend the financial assistance to all retired seafarers who are 75 years and above, as well as widows of seafarers,” Viegas said.
He explained that the issue was raised by several members during the association’s Annual General Body Meeting held on February 28, 2026, where retired seafarers expressed concern that the current criteria may inadvertently exclude many deserving beneficiaries.
In its letter to the Union Minister, the GSAI stated that many elderly seafarers had spent a significant part of their lives working onboard ships, contributing both to the maritime industry and to the country’s economy. The association argued that the spirit of the scheme would be better served if the assistance reached all elderly seafarers who require support, rather than limiting eligibility to a specific cut-off date.
The association also pointed to the financial capacity of the SWFS to support a broader pool of beneficiaries. According to Viegas, inquiries by the GSAI suggest that the SWFS currently holds over Rs 1,600 crore in funds, including administrative funds, gratuity reserves and corpus funds.
“There is no reason to restrict the scheme only to seafarers who have completed 75 years as on January 1, 2026. There are hundreds of retired seafarers and widows who are in genuine need of attention and assistance,” he said.
Apart from the old-age assistance issue, the GSAI also highlighted concerns regarding the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society’s Monthly Ex-gratia Monetary Assistance (MEMA) Welfare Scheme, particularly the delay in disbursing the promised one-time lump-sum payments.
According to the association, many retired seafarers and widows registered with the SWFS have received official notifications regarding the MEMA scheme. While some beneficiaries have successfully collected their payments, a significant number are still awaiting the release of their dues.
“This has left many elderly seafarers and widows in a state of uncertainty and financial distress,” the association noted in its letter. “Given the difficult circumstances faced by retired seafarers and their dependents, it is essential that these payments are disbursed without further delay.”
