MUMBAI, NOV 8: The State Government on Monday said that cases would beregistered against mill owners immediately for non-payment of wages to thelabourers, said Minister for Labour, Awkaf and Ports Hussain Dalwai.The minister while addressing a press conference said that the governmentwould hold a meeting with the leaders of the main labour unions on November16 to discuss the problems of the mill workers and accordingly find asolution. Giving details, he said that there are 3.10 crore labourers with2.33 crore in the unorganised sector. He stressed the need of providingsecurity to the workers. Dalwai pointed out that 3,515 factories in theState are shut with 93,000 workers jobless.On a question that a bowling alley has been started by Shiv Sena MP PritishNandy on the premises of Phoenix mills which is closed, Dalwai said that hewas unaware of such a development and was rather shocked to hear about it.He said that he would approach the affected workers at once and would takequick action if there was any illegal activity which would be stopped. Theminister said that he would personally look into the matter. Dalwai who alsoholds the Ports portfolio said that the government also plans to startwaterways between Nariman Point and Borivli and Gateway of India and Mulund.He said that stops to halt the launches between the routes were also beingdiscussed. At present both the routes are being studied, he added.He further pointed out that various factors like feasibility, operating thewaterways for all the 12 months, parking space for the launches etc werealso being discussed. The minister said that it has also been decided tostart an inter-State waterway from Bandra.He further pointed out that as many as 48 minor ports in the State areinactive. Dalwai said that seven ports like Vadhvan, Dighi, Jaigad,Ganeshpuri, Vijaydurg, Redi and Anjavale could be developed.
