Fadnavis Warns Against Misuse of Mathadi Law, Announces Navi Mumbai APMC Revamp

Fadnavis Warns Against Misuse of Mathadi Law

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 25, 2026, warned that action would be taken against people who misuse the Mathadi Workers Act.

Speaking at a Mathadi workers' gathering at the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market yard, Fadnavis said consultations would be held with Mathadi leaders to identify and address practices that allegedly exploit the law.

Fadnavis said the Mathadi Workers Act has helped provide dignity and social protection to organised labourers, while maintaining that its misuse should be addressed without undermining workers' rights.

Government Plans Changes to Mathadi Boards

Fadnavis said the state government was working to strengthen the functioning of Mathadi boards across Maharashtra.

According to reports, the government plans to strengthen the state's 36 Mathadi boards and introduce measures to prevent misuse. An independent panel for auditing the boards is also being worked on. The government intends to address issues concerning wages, provident fund, gratuity, bonus, house rent and accident compensation for Mathadi workers.

Housing Support for Mathadi Workers

The Maharashtra government also highlighted housing initiatives for Mathadi workers.

Fadnavis said work was underway on a housing project in Wadala that is expected to provide homes to around 2,850 workers. He also indicated that further housing projects for Mathadi workers would be considered.

The chief minister also said the government wanted to create more opportunities for children of Mathadi workers through education and skill development rather than limiting them to traditional manual work.

Navi Mumbai APMC Market to Be Redeveloped

A major announcement was the proposed redevelopment of the Navi Mumbai APMC market, which is around 50 years old.

Fadnavis said the redevelopment would be planned with the next 50 years in mind. The government intends to develop the market as a modern facility and ensure that space and infrastructure requirements do not become a constraint.

The chief minister also discussed expanding trading opportunities and creating an international market facility to generate additional employment opportunities for Mathadi workers.

50-Kilogram Weight Limit for Workers

Fadnavis also referred to the decision concerning a 50-kilogram weight limit for Mathadi workers.

He described the move as an important step concerning workers' health and safety and said it addressed a long-standing demand from the community.

Drought Measures Also Announced

Alongside the Mathadi-related announcements, Fadnavis said the state government was preparing measures for drought-affected areas.

He said drinking-water and fodder shortages had emerged in some areas and that the government was preparing a Government Resolution (GR) to advance drought-mitigation measures.

The chief minister also expressed concern over the possibility of poor agricultural yields because of drought-like conditions.

Mathadi Law to Continue

Fadnavis said the Mathadi law would not be scrapped and that any changes would focus on addressing contemporary issues while maintaining protections for workers.

The Maharashtra government is therefore seeking to balance continued legal protection for Mathadi workers with measures aimed at preventing alleged misuse of the legislation.

Key Takeaways

• Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis warned of action against alleged misuse of the Mathadi Workers Act.

• The government plans to consult Mathadi leaders on illegal practices.

• Maharashtra's 36 Mathadi boards are being strengthened, according to the CM's announcement.

• A housing project in Wadala is expected to benefit around 2,850 Mathadi workers.

• The approximately 50-year-old Navi Mumbai APMC market will be redeveloped.

• The redevelopment is planned with the next 50 years in mind.

• Fadnavis also highlighted the 50-kg weight limit for Mathadi workers.

• The government is preparing measures to address drinking-water and fodder shortages in drought-affected areas.