Mathadi Act To Stay, Action Against Misuse: Fadnavis

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday assured Mathadi workers that the historic Mathadi Act, which provides legal and social protection to the labour community, would remain intact and be strengthened further. At the same time, he warned that action would be taken against those misusing the law.

Speaking at a gathering of Mathadi workers in Vashi on the 93rd birth anniversary of Mathadi movement founder and former MLA Annasaheb Patil, Mr. Fadnavis said the State government was committed to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring them a dignified life.

The Chief Minister announced that around 3,000 Mathadi workers would be provided homes under the Wadala Mathadi Housing Project. He said the government had resolved hurdles affecting the project and granted the required floor space index (FSI) and other permissions. It would also explore additional housing projects for Mathadi workers in the future.

Mr. Fadnavis also announced plans to redevelop the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) market yard in Vashi, taking into account the requirements of the next 50 years.

The market, established around five decades ago, was once among the major market hubs in Asia, he said. With changing trade practices and growing business volumes, the Vashi market would now be redeveloped to international standards. “The government will provide all the necessary FSI both below and above ground for the redevelopment,” he said.

The modernisation of the market would create greater opportunities for sustainable employment for Mathadi workers, the CM added.

Mr. Fadnavis said the State government had initiated the strengthening and restructuring of all 36 Mathadi boards. Independent panels would audit their functioning to improve transparency. Pending issues related to wages, provident fund, gratuity, bonus, house rent and compensation for workplace accidents would be addressed on priority, he said.

Reiterating his support for the Mathadi Act, Mr. Fadnavis described it as a “security shield” for workers. He said some sections were creating confusion by suggesting that the law would be scrapped, but asserted that the government would neither abolish it nor allow it to be weakened.

However, he said unauthorised groups had emerged in the name of the workers’ movement and were harming the interests of genuine Mathadi workers. A high-level meeting with labour leaders and concerned officials would be held soon, following which strict action would be taken against such activities, he said.

In a post on X, Mr. Fadnavis said the government was committed to “empowering our Mathadi workers” and paid tribute to Annasaheb Patil, whose work for the underprivileged and working class, he said, had strengthened the Mathadi movement and contributed to the enactment of the Mathadi Act.

Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal said farmers, Mathadi workers and traders were the three pillars of the agricultural market system. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik called for greater focus on the education and social advancement of workers’ children.