Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis calls for stringent action against extortion by 'mathadis'

Devendra Fadnavis/ Pic/X

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday, urged for a unified effort to identify and take action against 'mathadis' (porters) involved in blackmail and extortion. Speaking during a rally commemorating the birth anniversary of Mathadi leader Late Annadsaheb Patil in Vashi, Fadnavis emphasized the need for stringent measures against such activities, stated a PTI report.

Fadnavis, according to the report, stressed that the state government's objective was not to impose new legislation on 'mathadis' but to amend the existing act, which is over half a century old, to ensure appropriate action against those found guilty. He acknowledged that the presence of fake and extortionist 'mathadis' had led several industries to relocate outside the state, causing economic challenges.

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Expressing his concern, Fadnavis directed the Navi Mumbai police to take decisive action against fraudulent 'mathadis' who demand a 25 per cent cut in agreements, further exacerbating the problem. He assured that while amending the Mathadi, Hamal, and Other Manual Workers Act, the essence of the act envisioned by Annasaheb Patil would be preserved. "While amending the Mathadi, Hamal and Other Manual Workers Act we will ensure that that the soul of the act as envisaged by Annasaheb Patil remains intact," he said.

Fadnavis also highlighted the importance of promoting the Maratha community and ensuring their development. He mentioned that over 70,000 industrialists have emerged from the Maratha community through the Annasheb Patil Arthik Mahamandal, receiving substantial cost-free loans totalling Rs 5,000 crore. The government has committed Rs 507 crore annually to support this initiative, the report stated.

'Mathadi' or headload workers are an important part of the APMC market in Vashi as well as other industrial nodes of Navi Mumbai and the rest of the Thane district; unrest among them often affects economic activity in the region. This call for action against extortion and fraudulent practices by 'mathadis' is part of a broader effort to maintain economic stability and foster equitable development within the Maratha community. As Maharashtra grapples with economic challenges posed by such activities, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis underscores the government's commitment to addressing these issues and preserving the legacy of Late Annadsaheb Patil.

With PTI inputs