BE, MTech grads apply for Mathadi workers, HC told

Nagpur: The rate of unemployment is rising at an alarming levels. This could be gauged from the fact that BE, MTech and CA aspirants have applied for the job of Mathadi workers, who usually get paid a meagre salary of Rs13,000 per month. This startling revelation was made by intervener — Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) through counsel Firdos Mirza while hearing a suo motu PIL regarding unprecedented salaries to the tune of Rs4.5 lakh/month being paid to the Mathadi workers.Mathadi workers work in an organized syndicate under ‘Maharashtra Mathadi and Unprotected Labour Board’ and outsiders are not allowed entry.
Mirza contended that it’s the industrial sector here which is suffering as companies are made to pay exorbitant wages for minimal work. The court then adjourned the hearing by two weeks.
Earlier, amicus curiae Shreerang Bhandarkar, in an application, pointed out that a worker can earn over Rs1,500 in just nine minutes. For each wagon, over 39 workers are deployed, despite requirement of just three. Moreover, they charge a levy of 30% on every transaction. He accused the board of indulging into nepotism and fraud since long. He pointed out a shocking fact that the board had failed to submit its audit report for the past 12 years.
Bhandarkar added that the board members appointed candidates from Congress and NCP on the recommendations of their leaders like former MP Vilas Muttemwar, former minister Rajendra Mulak, and others. He accused the board of misusing its dominant position and flouting competition Act.