Mumbai: Mill workers will march at Azad Maidan on Wednesday, July 9, to demand affordable housing for 1.5 lakh workers in Mumbai. The event is organized by 14 organizations, including the Rashtriya Mil Mazdoor Sangh. Participants from across Maharashtra will gather at 11 am. The march has gained support from Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, with Uddhav Thackeray expected to join.
MHADA has received applications from 2.5 lakh mill workers and heirs for a housing scheme on mill land however, only 25,000 have been accommodated thus far. Due to limited space in Mumbai, the state government plans to build homes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), specifically in Shelu and Vangani through private developers. This proposal has been met with opposition, as affected workers and their organizations demand housing within Mumbai itself.
Despite the clear demand, the government continues to collect consent letters for the Shelu and Vangani project, aggravating the workers. Consequently, the Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh has called for the march, emphasizing pressures faced by mill workers. The march was originally set to take place between Ranibaug and Azad Maidan, but due to permission issues, workers will proceed directly to Azad Maidan.
Concerns have been raised about land allocation in Mumbai, where, amid ongoing redevelopment projects, spaces for housing mill workers remain elusive. Govindrao Mohite from the Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh highlighted dissatisfaction regarding the government’s approach. Support from Uddhav and Raj Thackeray adds to the event's significance.
The Mill Workers Joint Struggle Committee is actively mobilizing, aiming to draw attention to their plight; a public meeting will be held at Azad Maidan at 11 am. Uddhav Thackeray's presence indicates political backing, will join voices against perceived government deception regarding housing. A recent meeting of the Joint Struggle Committee underscored the determination to make the gathering significant, with plans for a sit-in protest until their demands are acknowledged.
The upcoming meeting holds promise for rallying community support, with notable figures including Ambadas Danve, Sanjay Raut, and Bala Nandgaonkar expected to attend. Speculations about a potential reunion between the Thackeray brothers may also arise during this critical protest for mill workers.
