KOCHI:
Ministry of Shipping has decided that all the Major Ports may grant compensation /Ex-Gratia in the event of loss of life due to COVID-19 to the dependent members/legal heirs of the port employees as under:
All Port employees including Contract Labourers employed directly by the port Rs 50.00 Lakh
and Other Contractual Labourers Rs 50.00 Lakh
Monetary Compensation is declared to cover the risk of life due to COVID-19 contamination while discharging the Port related duty. Port Chairman is the competent authority for the settling claims/ disbursement of the compensation/Ex-Gratia and verifying authority for the cause of death from COVID-19. This compensation is applicable only for the pandemic of COVID-19 and shall be in force up to 30.09.2020, subject to review thereafter.
Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Shipping interacted via video conference with the Ship Liners, Shipping Companies, Maritime Associations, Seafarers Unions regarding the change of crew at Indian Ports and reconnoitred the situation of Indian seafarers working as well as stranded in the International waters.
Mandaviya directed to provide the details of Indian Seafarers stranded abroad for the future evacuation plan. Mandaviya assured the various seafarers associations for the quick evacuation of the stranded Indian seafarers whenever the situation becomes favourable. Mandaviya also acknowledged the importance of seafarers for the smooth supply chain movement. Mandaviya also acknowledged the challenges faced by the seafarers and appreciated their work in this crucial and testing times.
Mandaviya also directed the officials of the Ministry of Shipping for easing out the process of the sign on and sign off the seafarers at the Indian Ports.
The participants of the video conference include representatives of the associations like Indian National Ship Owners’ Association (INSA), Maritime Association of Nationwide Shipping Agencies – India (MANSA), National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), The Indian Maritime Foundation (IMF), The Maritime Union of India (MUI), The Maritime Association of Ship Owners Ship managers and Agents(MASSA) etc.
