Maharashtra Targets Fake Mathadi Workers with Digital Crackdown

The Maharashtra government is launching a crackdown on fake Mathadi workers, with Labour Minister Akash Phundkar announcing a digital overhaul of the head-loaders’ registration system. He outlined a robust verification process linking Aadhaar, biometric attendance, and employer checks to eliminate fraudulent registrations. The move follows last month’s amendment to the Maharashtra Mathadi, Hamal and Other Manual Workers Act, which clarified manual work as a “core activity” to curb bogus workers exploiting the system meant to protect genuine laborers.

Phundkar highlighted a surge in fake Mathadi workers, accusing them of extorting businesses and creating fear in industrial hubs like Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur. He noted complaints from entrepreneurs forced to hire registered workers who don’t show up, disrupting operations and raising costs. Without naming names, he blamed certain union leaders and politically connected figures for backing these “extortionists in disguise,” vowing to stop the misuse of the Act for personal or political gain.

To address the issue, the state is digitizing registrations and conducting district-level audits of Mathadi boards, with a high-level committee set to cancel illegitimate entries. “We aim to empower real workers and ensure fairness for businesses,” Phundkar said, hinting at further reforms to balance labor rights and industrial growth. He stressed that neither bogus workers nor harassment of investors would be tolerated, promising strict action ahead.