In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of project-affected persons, Maharashtra Labour Minister Adv. Akash Fundkar announced that the government will actively work to ensure employment opportunities for locals—especially the children of project-affected families—in private companies operating within their vicinity.
Speaking at a high-level meeting held at the Mantralaya, Minister Fundkar stressed that priority must be given to locals in employment, particularly in the industrial zones of Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad. “It is essential that the youth from project-affected communities, especially those from traditional fishing (Koli) families, get a fair chance at employment in the very industries that have taken over their ancestral lands,” he said.
The meeting was convened to address issues related to job opportunities for the children of the Koli community in private companies located in their native areas, as well as to review grievances raised by workers in the Kurkumbh MIDC in Pune. Present at the meeting were MLA Rahul Kul, Fishermen’s Union President Chandu Patil, Principal Secretary I.A. Kundan, Labour Commissioner Dr. H.P. Tummod, Deputy Secretary Swapnil Kapadnis, Additional Labour Commissioner Balasaheb Wagh, and representatives from worker unions and other labour organisations.
Minister Fundkar pointed out that over 16,443 factories are currently operational in the Konkan region, employing more than 13 lakh workers. As per the state’s industrial policy, local residents are entitled to 50% of supervisory-level jobs and 80% of other category jobs in private companies. “The Labour Department will ensure that this provision is not just on paper but is strictly implemented,” he asserted. He further stated that companies operating in areas developed on land acquired from locals must be held accountable for offering jobs to affected families. “Economic development cannot come at the cost of injustice to the very people who sacrificed their lands,” he added.
Meanwhile, turning his attention to safety and environmental compliance, Fundkar directed officials to conduct immediate inspections of companies in the Kurkumbh MIDC area—especially pharmaceutical and chemical industries like Cipla, Emcure, Honour Lab, Modepro, and Rank. He called for urgent reports on violations of safety protocols and pollution norms, warning of strict action against erring companies.
Minister Fundkar’s stance signals a clear policy shift toward inclusive industrial growth, where local communities are not left behind but become active stakeholders in development.
(Edited by : Poonam Behura)
