NEW DELHI: The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) continues its determined efforts to secure the long-pending implementation of revised wages for seafarers serving on board passenger and cargo vessels operated by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
The prolonged delay in obtaining approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has caused considerable financial hardship to the affected seafarers and their families. NUSI has consistently pursued this legitimate demand with the concerned authorities to ensure that seafarers receive their rightful wages without further delay.
23rd October 2026 – Meeting with Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs
NUSI representative from Port Blair met Shri P. Manoj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, and strongly raised the issue of the pending approval for implementation of revised wages.
The Joint Secretary indicated that the necessary approval would be communicated to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration within one month.
However, NUSI firmly rejected the prospect of further delay, particularly when seafarers had already endured prolonged financial losses. NUSI emphasised that the matter demanded urgent administrative action and could no longer be allowed to remain pending.
24th October 2026 – Intervention of Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Ramdas Athawale
Determined to accelerate the process, NUSI delegation met Shri Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, and highlighted the financial hardship caused by the continued delay.
Recognising the seriousness of the issue, the Hon’ble Minister extended his support and facilitated further intervention at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
28th October 2026 – Crucial Meeting with Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Home Affairs
With the valuable intervention of Shri Ramdas Athawale, NUSI delegation met Shri Nityanand Rai, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, at his office in New Delhi.
The delegation placed before the Hon’ble Minister the prolonged financial losses suffered by seafarers serving on board vessels of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and stressed the urgent need to resolve the matter.
Taking immediate cognisance of the issue, the Hon’ble Minister directed the concerned authorities to expedite the file and initiate the necessary action for obtaining approval from the competent authority without further delay.
He also instructed the NUSI delegation to follow up directly with the Joint Secretary regarding the progress.
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT – FILE MOVES TOWARDS FINAL APPROVAL
Acting upon the Minister’s intervention, NUSI delegation immediately followed up with the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Joint Secretary confirmed that:
- The file had been cleared by all concerned departments.
- The concerned Section Head had initiated immediate action to process the file.
- The file was being moved for submission to the Union Home Secretary for final approval.
This marks a significant step forward in the sustained campaign of NUSI to secure the legitimate wage revision of Andaman & Nicobar seafarers.
Although final approval remains pending, the direct intervention of the Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs has accelerated the administrative process.
NUSI places on record its sincere appreciation for the timely intervention of Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri Nityanand Rai, whose support has been instrumental in advancing this long-pending issue.
THE UNWAVERING COMMITMENT OF NUSI
NUSI reiterates its firm commitment to every seafarer serving on board vessels of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
The movement of files in progress, but the implementation of revised wages is the real objective.
NUSI will maintain relentless pressure on the concerned authorities until the revised wages are formally approved, implemented and the legitimate financial benefits reach every eligible seafarer.
SEAFARERS HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH. THEIR RIGHTFUL WAGES MUST NOT BE DELAYED ANY FURTHER.
NUSI WILL NOT REST UNTIL JUSTICE IS DELIVERED!
NUSI – ALWAYS WITH SEAFARERS, ALWAYS FOR SEAFARERS!
Source: National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)
