The Minister of State for Shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan informed the Lok Sabha today that Government has plans to strengthen the welfare schemes for seafarers in the country.

The Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2005 have been amended through Notification G.S.R. 33 (E) dated Jan. 16, 2014 to provide for welfare fund contribution per seaman per annum by the Recruitment and Placement Service Providers to the Seafarer's Welfare Fund Society, Mumbai in the case of both Indian and foreign flag ships, Radhakrishnan said.

The said provision was made after consultations with the stakeholders including the representatives of ship-owners and seafarers. Pursuant to the said notification, Directorate General of Shipping has issued order No. 16 of 2014 outlining the details of Survival Benefit Scheme, Invalidity Benefit Scheme and Maternity Benefit Scheme to be administered by the Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society, he added.