Crusading for change
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COMMENTS 
The Hamal Panchayat has assured economic and social security for the unskilled workers of Pune
In the narrow streets of Bhawani Peth is the office of the Hamal Panchayat, an organisation that works for the development of the porters (hamals in the local Marathi) or unskilled workers of Pune, Maharashtra.
For generations the hamals had been deprived of basic housing, education and medical facilities. Being employed in the unorganised sector, they had no collective bargaining power. All that changed when Baba Adhav, who was involved in the trade union movement in Mumbai, started the Panchayat with 500 porters drawn from the markets of Tel Bazaar and Gol Bazaar in the Bhawani Peth area.
The Hamal Panchayat launched a long struggle, following which the state government passed the Maharashtra Mathani Hamal Ka! noon in 1969. It allowed the porters to have labour welfare benefits such as provident fund (PF) and the gratuity fund. The contract labour system for porters was also abolished, allowing porters to earn better wages.
The Panchayat simultaneously works for the social development of the community, ensuring that the porters have access to essential facilities like banks and transportation. It started a community kitchen near its Bhawani Peth office where cheap and nutritious food for as many as 15,000 people is served at a nominal price of Rs 5 per meal. This kitchen was started in 1974 and now employs about 200 cooks with 12 branches (shakhas) all over Pune.
It has also built the Hamal Bhavan, with its own resources, where cultural activities and meetings are arranged. The Hamal Panchayat Kashtakari Vidyalay, a school for the children of this community, functions from these premises.
The ! Hamal Panchayat has provided housing facilities for porters and members of other trading communities. While the government alloted land, Dena Bank extended financial assistance to build Hamal Nagar, a co-operative housing society comprising 190 flats.
Says Baba Adhav, "Our organisation is also helping rag-pickers and child labourers in the city, and we have floated a platform for hawkers which is called the Pathari Vyavsahik Panchayat."
The Hamal Panchayat has made a remarkable difference to the economic, social and cultural development of Pune's hamals, a clear demonstration of the change that collective effort and a sound organisation can bring about.
Contact: The Hamal
Panchayat
Co The Rickshaw Panchayat
&nbs!
p;
Plot number 89, New
Timber Market
Bhawani-Peth, Pune 411 002
Maharashtra, India
Tel: 91-20-635
6799