Fadnavis: Mathadi law will stay, 3,000 homes for Vadala workers, Vashi market to be revamped

The Mathadi law, which gives Mathadi workers social security and legal protection, will remain in place under all circumstances, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured a large workers convention held in Vashi. The event was organised to mark the 93rd birth anniversary of the late legislator Annasaheb Patil, and the Chief Minister made several major announcements on the occasion.

About three thousand Mathadi workers will get modern homes of their own in a housing project in Vadala. The Chief Minister said the redevelopment of the Vashi APMC Market Yard would be carried out at an international level, keeping in mind the needs of the next 50 years. The government also announced plans to strengthen Mathadi boards, strictly enforce the 50-kilogram weight limit rule, and run a special scheme for the higher education of workers' children.

Reiterating his commitment to protecting the Mathadi law, Fadnavis said the law is a protective shield for workers. He said some people were spreading the misconception that the law would be scrapped, whereas the government would strengthen it and not allow it to end. However, he also said that some fake groups had emerged in the name of this sacred workers movement and were causing harm to workers. To curb these illegal activities and safeguard the interests of genuine workers, a high-level meeting with workers leaders and concerned officials would be called soon and strict action taken. He also praised Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal and the labour department for strictly enforcing the rule on sacks weighing more than 50 kilograms.

Reviewing workers welfare schemes, Fadnavis said work had begun to strengthen and restructure all 36 Mathadi boards in the state. A separate panel would audit the boards to ensure transparency in their functioning. Pending issues such as workers salaries, provident fund, gratuity, bonus, house rent and accident compensation would be resolved soon. Difficulties in the Vadala workers housing project have been cleared, with the necessary FSI and permissions granted, which will give 2,850 to 3,000 Mathadi workers modern homes of their own. The government will continue trying to bring more housing projects for workers.

Speaking on the modernisation of the Vashi APMC market, Fadnavis said the market, built 50 years ago, was once counted among the largest centres in Asia. Given changing business practices and growing trade, the Vashi market will now be redeveloped at an international level. The government will provide all the FSI needed both above and below ground for this. The modern, international market is expected to give Mathadi workers more sustainable employment.