Circular no. 7 of 2022 27th May, 2022
Dear Capt. Kumar,
Sub: Breaking News
NUSI demand to include all ranks of seafarers in Priority List of railway booking finally accepted
Instructions issued by Ministry of Railways, Government of India
Vide NUSI circular dated 8th April, 2022 we had informed you that the long pending demand of National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) to get priority in travel for all ranks of seafarers is being discussed by the Government of India through the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Railways. Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra had personally taken up the NUSI demand with the Government of India.
NUSI is pleased to inform you that instructions have now been issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Railways – Railway Board vide No. 2021/TG-I/20/P/15 dated 29th April, 2022 to Principal Chief Commercial Managers of All Zonal Railways. The instructions is to consider providing confirmed accommodation by giving due priority as per guidelines out of Emergency Quota for any request received from Merchant Navy seafarers going to join ship or coming down from the ship.
This is great victory for all ranks of seafarers as Government of India has acknowledged the important role of merchant navy seafarers in facilitating their travel. NUSI and all ranks of seafarers thank Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri SarbanandaSonowal, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush & Government of India. Next goal for priority in travel for all ranks of seafarers is from Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Road Transport and Ministry of Shipping.
NUSI ZINDABAD.
Warm regards
(Abdulgani Y. Serang)
General Secretary -cum- Treasurer
Executive Board Member – ITF
Vice Chair, ITF Seafarers Section – Asia Pacific Region
Vice Chair, ITF Asia Pacific Region
Circular no. 1 of 2022 1st January, 2022
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Happy New Year- 2022
New scheme of “NUSI Suraksha Kavach” launched
Rs. 25 / 50 Lakhs insurance to benefit seafarers and their families
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) is a strong, powerful and responsible trade union. On the strong foundations laid by its founder Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang, NUSI has redefined trade unionism by its welfare activities. Over the years, NUSI has stood up for the cause of our seafarers.
NUSI takes great satisfaction to note that thousands of our ratings and petty officers serving on Foreign going, Home Trade, Offshore Vessels, Tugs / Crafts of Indian and foreign flags ships including Cruise ships and their families have benefitted by the NUSI agreements and welfare activities through the years and even during the pandemic.
All seafarers will get increased wages and terms and conditions on the NUSI agreements of Indian and foreign flag ships effective 1st January 2022 and again on 1st January, 2023.
We all know that seafarers are covered by P&I insurance by their respective shipping companies while onboard the ships. After sign off, many seafarers do not take personal life insurance coverage. On the demise of the seafarer ashore, their family have to undergo challenging time. “NUSI Suraksha Kavach” will be in addition to the death compensation entitlement of the seafarers while onboard under NUSI agreement.
Gaining from the Covid pandemic experience and with a view to safeguard and to create awareness about life insurance, NUSI has the pleasure to introduce “NUSI Suraksha Kavach” insurance for seafarers and their families in partnership with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) through LIC Jeevan Amar Policy.
We are pleased to inform you that Shri Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping inaugurated “NUSI Suraksha Kavach” during the “NUSI-125 years” and the “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” celebrations.
“NUSI Suraksha Kavach” welfare scheme will benefit NUSI members upto 60 years of age as below:-
1) The sum assured on death due to natural causes is Rs. 25,00,000/- (Rs. Twenty five lakhs only).
2) The sum assured on death due to accident is Rs. 50,00,000/- (Rs. Fifty lakhs only).
3) The yearly insurance premium will be paid by interested individual seafarers. NUSI will reimburse part of this yearly insurance premium as per NUSI guidelines.
4) The details and procedures of “NUSI Suraksha Kavach” insurance will be provided soon.
NUSI wants to create more life insurance awareness and also facilitate our seafarers to be insured under this scheme which will go a long way in benefitting their families. The “NUSI Suraksha Kavach” is yet another New Year Gift for seafarers and their families.
Additionally, the NUSI General Body resolutions regarding 1) “Priority List” for seafarers in all modes of travel 2) Income Tax exemption during Covid pandemic were also submitted to the Director General.
NUSI Office Bearers, Executive Committee, Women Committee, Youth Committee and Branch Representatives and thousands of seafarers wish you and your family a very Happy and Prosperous New Year- 2022.
With warm regards and in solidarity,
(Abdulgani Y. Serang)
General Secretary -cum- Treasurer
Executive Board Member - ITF
Vice-Chair, ITF Seafarers Section – Asia Pacific Region
Vice-Chair, ITF Asia Pacific Region