Maharashtra government plans survey of casual workers in Mumbai

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government plans to conduct a survey of casual workers in Mumbai and undertake procedure for their registration.

"The state government is planning to conduct a survey of casual workers, also known as 'Naka Kamgar' as in Mumbai, being the financial capital of the country, their number should go in lakhs. And the survey will help knowing their exact count," a Labour department official said.

'Naka Kamgars' are daily wagers who wait at market places for employment. Those seeking manpower for various jobs come and hire them according to their needs, he said.

They are low-end workers from different sectors like construction work, repairing, besides carpentry, plumbing, among others.

BJP legislator Atul Bhatkalkar, who initiated a discussion with Labour Minister Prakash Mehta on the issue, told PTI that the casual workers come from the lowest strata of the society and should get benefits availed to the unorganised sector.

"If a count of these workers is kept, they can be provided medical facilities at the ESI hospitals. Similarly, facilities like a shade constructed at the nakas, drinking water can be rendered to them," Bhatkalkar said.

He said the government has agreed to formulate a policy for the welfare of these workers. "Even though their presence in Mumbai is sizable, the registration and survey of these workers can be done all through the state," he added.