Government of Maharashtra on March 18th 2025 issued Bill to amend the Maharashtra Mathadi, Hamal and other Manual Workers (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) Act, 1969
This Bill aimed at strengthening protections for Mathadi, Hamal, and other manual workers under the Maharashtra Mathadi, Hamal and Other Manual Workers (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) Act, 1969.
The 2025 amendment bill, now tabled in the Legislative Council, brings clarity to definitions, updates worker protections, and enhances regulatory mechanisms for the welfare of unprotected manual workers in the state.
Key Highlights of the Amendment
1. Clearer Definition of ‘Manual Work’
A new clause (6A) defines “manual work” as:
“Any type of physical work carried out by humans without the help or support of machines.”
This includes tasks like loading, unloading, stacking, carrying, weighing, and measuring in scheduled employments.
2. Revised Definition of ‘Unprotected Worker’
The updated clause (11) defines “unprotected worker” as:
A Mathadi, Hamal, or other manual worker aged 18 to 65, engaged or to be engaged in manual work.
- Workers above 65 can continue if certified fit by a government medical practitioner.
- Excludes:
- Those employed in areas using machines or automated processes.
- Family members of employers.
3. Contractor & Employer Roles Defined
- A contractor includes sub-contractors, agents, mukadams, or tolliwalas.
- An employer is defined as the principal employer or the person with ultimate control over an establishment.
4. Registration & Regulation
Amendments to Section 3 emphasize:
- Stricter control over registration and cancellation of registration for unprotected workers and employers.
- Maintenance of registers and waiting lists.
- Authority to impose fees for registration.
5. Decision-Making Without Advisory Committee
A new clause in Section 14 empowers the State Government to act even if the Advisory Committee is non-functional:
The government can take decisions without consultation when the committee isn’t operational.
6. Changes in the Advisory Committee
- Term of office for non-government members is now 5 years.
- Vacancies must be filled within 6 months.
- Committee to maintain equal representation of employers, workers, legislators, and the State.
7. Strengthened Recovery of Dues
Section 13 now ensures:
- Recovery of unpaid dues from employers/workers via judicial inquiry-like procedures.
- Board has powers equivalent to a civil court.
8. No Employment of Children Under 18
In a progressive move, the minimum working age in scheduled employment is now 18 years (increased from 14).
What This Means for Workers
These amendments aim to:
- Enhance legal clarity.
- Protect manual laborers from exploitation.
- Ensure timely wage payment and secure working conditions.
- Increase transparency and accountability for employers and contractors.
A Step Towards Inclusive Labour Welfare
The Maharashtra government has made it clear: manual workers remain the backbone of the informal sector, and their protection is paramount. By reinforcing definitions and mechanisms for regulation, the 2025 amendment sets a precedent for worker-centric governance.
