Thane, Sep 25 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said action would be taken against those misusing the Mathadi law, and announced the redevelopment of the 50-year-old Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market in Navi Mumbai.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said consultations would be held with Mathadi leaders to curb illegal practices and emphasised that the Mathadi Workers Act has ensured dignity for organised labourers.
He attended a rally organised at the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market yard to mark the 93rd birth anniversary of late MLA Annasaheb Patil, the founder of the Mathadi movement.
“Some people have used the law to fill their own pockets. We will take action against such people after consultations with Mathadi leaders,” he said.
Fadnavis assured that the government is positive about all issues concerning Mathadi workers, including providing them housing and taking various decisions for their welfare, and pointed out that work is underway on a project to provide 2,850 houses to labourers in Wadala, and necessary FSI and regulatory approvals have been cleared for the same.
He also stated that the government will undertake the redevelopment of the APMC market in Vashi, which is around 50 years old.
The government will provide required underground and surface FSI to redevelop the market into an international-standard facility, generating sustainable employment for workers, he said.
Addressing the rally, the chief minister lauded the Labour Department and Marketing Ministry for strictly implementing the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standard cap of 50 kg per bag to prevent physical strain on loaders.
He also announced that all 36 Mathadi boards across Maharashtra will be empowered and restructured, with independent panel audits introduced to ensure transparency.
Pending issues regarding wages, PF, gratuity, bonus, house rent, and accident compensation will be resolved expeditiously, he said.
The chief minister asserted that the government was taking steps to address problems in drought-affected areas, including shortages of drinking water and fodder, and a government resolution (GR) outlining the measures is likely to be issued later in the day.
“Drought-like conditions are severe. Farmers are unlikely to get a good yield. Problems related to drinking water and fodder have arisen. We are making the necessary arrangements. A GR in this regard is being issued, possibly today, and through it, the drought mitigation measures will be taken forward,” he said.
(PTI News)
