Newspaper vendors march on Sangli collector's office demanding their welfare board

Sangli: The Sangli District Newspaper Vendors' Agents' Association marched on the collector's office and held a demonstration on Friday, October 9, demanding immediate implementation of the separate welfare board approved for the state's newspaper vendors. Similar marches were held at collectors' offices across the state at the call of the Maharashtra State Newspaper Vendors' Association.

The association's state general secretary Vikas Suryavanshi said the state cabinet had decided on October 10, 2024 to set up a separate board for vendors, but no government order has been issued. On March 11, 2026, during the budget session, information and public relations minister Adv Ashish Shelar had promised, in reply to a question from MLA Shrikant Bharatiya, to set up the board before the next session. The march was meant to remind the government of that promise, the association said.

The vendors demanded an immediate order setting up the board, adequate budget funds for its schemes, health insurance, accident insurance and pension schemes for vendors, and prompt registration of authorised vendors. The association says the demand has been pending for 15 to 20 years.

The march was led by office-bearers including state general secretary Vikas Suryavanshi, district president Dattatray Sargar, district secretary Vishal Rasankar and state executive member Sachin Chopde. The association warned of a stronger agitation if the demands are not met soon.

Sources: Pudhari; Navarashtra