Maharashtra CM Announces Global-Standard Redevelopment of Vashi APMC Market Yard
Thane, September 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday assured Mathadi workers that the historic Mathadi Act, which provides social security and legal protection to workers, would not be scrapped under any circumstances and would continue to remain in force.
Speaking at a large workers’ gathering organised at the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) on the 93rd birth anniversary of late MLA and Mathadi movement founder Annasaheb Patil, Fadnavis said the government was fully committed to protecting the rights of workers and ensuring that they lead a dignified life.
He announced that around 3,000 Mathadi workers would be provided homes under a housing project in Wadala. He also announced plans for the redevelopment of the Vashi APMC market yard to international standards, keeping in mind the requirements of the next 50 years. Reports said the Wadala project is expected to provide around 2,850 to 3,000 homes to Mathadi workers.
The Chief Minister said Annasaheb Patil had implemented the principle of Antyodaya by organising unorganised workers who had migrated to Mumbai from rural Maharashtra and helping establish the Mathadi Act, thereby giving dignity and recognition to their labour.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to protecting the Mathadi Act, Fadnavis described it as a “security shield” for workers. He said although there was confusion in some quarters that the law could be scrapped, the government would instead strengthen it.
At the same time, he alleged that some unauthorised groups were misusing the name of the Mathadi movement and causing losses to workers. He said a high-level meeting would soon be held with Mathadi leaders and concerned officials to take measures against such practices and protect the interests of genuine workers. He also praised Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal and the Labour Department for strict implementation of the rule concerning sacks weighing more than 50 kg.
Reviewing various welfare measures for workers, Fadnavis said the government had initiated the strengthening and restructuring of all 36 Mathadi boards in the state. Independent panels would conduct audits to ensure transparency in their functioning.
He said pending issues relating to workers’ wages, provident fund, gratuity, bonus, house rent and accident compensation would be addressed on priority. Necessary FSI and permissions have been provided after resolving hurdles in the Wadala housing project, he said, adding that between 2,850 and 3,000 Mathadi workers would receive modern homes. The government would also explore additional housing projects for workers in the future.
Vashi APMC to Get Global-Standard Redevelopment
Fadnavis said the Vashi APMC market, established around 50 years ago, had once been among the major market centres in Asia. Considering changing trade patterns and increasing business volumes, the government would undertake its redevelopment to international standards.
He said the government would make the required FSI available both above and below ground for the project. The modernised market, he said, would generate more sustainable employment opportunities for Mathadi workers. Independent reports have also confirmed the government’s plan to redevelop the roughly 50-year-old Navi Mumbai APMC market.
Fadnavis also called upon Mathadi workers to focus on the future of their children. He said the next generation should not remain confined to Mathadi work but should pursue careers as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, company secretaries and civil servants.
He said separate schemes would be formulated through the Annasaheb Patil Arthik Magas Vikas Mahamandal and SARTHI to support higher education and skill development for children of Mathadi workers, with the state government extending necessary assistance.
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik stressed the importance of the social and educational advancement of Mathadi workers. Recalling the legal protection secured through Annasaheb Patil’s efforts, Naik said the next generation should pursue education and professional careers.
He also assured that efforts would be made at the government level to modernise facilities at the Mathadi hospital and ensure completion of houses under the Wadala project without delay.
Marketing and Tourism Minister Jaykumar Rawal said farmers, Mathadi workers and traders were the three main pillars of the agricultural produce market system. While farmers produce agricultural commodities, Mathadi workers play an important role in the marketing chain that takes the produce to consumers.
Rawal said the buildings of the Vashi market, established around five decades ago, had become old and that the entire market would be redeveloped using modern infrastructure in line with changing global trade requirements. He said Mathadi workers would continue to have an important role even with the introduction of technology and mechanisation and assured that strict action would be taken against violations of the 50-kg weight limit.
MLA Shashikant Shinde said protecting the Mathadi Act was a collective responsibility of all workers’ representatives. He said necessary amendments should be made while retaining the basic framework of the historic law that provides unorganised workers with wages, provident fund, gratuity and bonus benefits.
In his introductory remarks, Maharashtra State Mathadi, Transport and General Workers’ Union general secretary and Annasaheb Patil Arthik Magas Vikas Mahamandal chairman Narendra Patil raised several issues concerning workers.
Referring to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards on manual handling, Patil demanded strict implementation of the rule restricting loads carried by workers to 50 kg. He also called for resolving difficulties related to the Wadala housing project, providing homes to workers, ensuring that registered Mathadi workers receive residential and commercial premises as part of the Vashi APMC redevelopment, and expanding higher education opportunities for workers’ children through welfare schemes.
Mahesh Khetpal, vice-president of the Runwal Group, made a presentation on the Wadala housing project for Mathadi workers and assured that the group would remain committed to their interests.
MLA Niranjan Davkhare also handed over a cheque to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to support drought-affected areas. Corporator Bharat Chavan and Omkar Chavan were present with him.
The programme concluded with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitating meritorious Mathadi workers with mementoes.
