The long-pending wage revision for seafarers under the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has been flagged at the Centre, with Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray urging immediate intervention to expedite approval.
In a communication addressed to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the MP highlighted that the wage revision, mandated every two years, has been delayed as the proposal requires approval beyond the financial powers of the local administration.
According to the letter, the proposal has already been forwarded to the Ministry for consent, as the expenditure involved exceeds the authority of the Lieutenant Governor. The matter is currently under consideration at the Ministry level, with no final decision yet communicated.
The issue was raised following concerns from seafarers’ unions, who have pointed to delays in implementing periodic wage revisions. The workforce under DSS forms the backbone of inter-island transport in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, operating passenger and cargo vessels that connect remote and inhabited islands across the archipelago.
Sources indicate that the delay has caused growing unease among employees, who rely on timely revisions to keep pace with rising living costs and challenging working conditions at sea. Seafarers in the islands often operate under demanding schedules and in difficult maritime environments, making regular wage adjustments a critical aspect of workforce welfare.
By escalating the matter to the Union Ministry, the MP has sought to draw attention to both the procedural delay and its impact on essential services. The letter calls for the proposal to be processed on priority and for necessary approval to be conveyed at the earliest.
The Directorate of Shipping Services plays a crucial role in maintaining connectivity in the island territory, where sea transport remains the primary mode of movement for people and goods. Any delay affecting the workforce is seen as having potential implications for service continuity and efficiency.
While the Ministry has acknowledged receipt of the proposal, there has been no official timeline indicated for approval. Stakeholders are now looking towards an early resolution, particularly as the delay continues beyond the stipulated revision cycle.
The development adds to ongoing discussions around maritime infrastructure and workforce welfare in the islands, where connectivity remains a lifeline for both residents and economic activity.
