"Many companies have automated forklifts but they are forced to hire Mathadi workers. Under this law, even if the company has a labour force to transport the goods it has to use the Mathadi workers only. This law forces industries to employ labourers from outside the company's workforce (Mathadis, called so because they help transport goods on their heads) for loading and unloading of goods. "The 10 workers are surplus and even if they sit idle we have to pay them their day's wages. ET was the first to highlight that the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, a trade union affiliated with the ruling BJP's ideological mentor RSS, was staunchly opposed to the Maharashtra government's proposed move and had warned of a stir.The Maharashtra Mathadi, Hamal and other Manual Workers (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) Act, 1969, is another labour reform that is stuck, officials said.

Source: Economic Times July 03, 2016 21:23 UTC