Speaking at a function organised by Goan Seafarers Association of India (GSAI) to distribute Covid kits to the seafarers of Canacona taluka, Naik said that the scheme which is formulated by the NRI commission should be made permanent and not restricted to only six months as stated in the policy document. He further said the seafarers contribute to the Goan economy in a big way and hence it is government’s duty to compensate them in their old age.