Project-affected workers in Navi Mumbai have been demanding permanent employment status for over a year, particularly for those working in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on a contract basis. The demand gained momentum when MLA Manda Mhatre raised the issue once again during her meeting with the Municipal Commissioner on Thursday. In response, the Commissioner gave a positive assurance, leading the workers to believe that their long-standing demand for permanent employment may finally be addressed.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) had previously recruited 59 victims of the Barvi Dam project on a permanent basis. Inspired by this decision, project-affected workers employed on a contract basis within the Municipal Corporation have been pushing for similar recognition and stability. Local MLAs, including Manda Mhatre and Ganesh Naik, have also supported this demand in the Vidhan Bhavan, advocating for fair treatment of these workers.

In May 2024, during a visit to Navi Mumbai, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had expressed his commitment to resolving various issues, including those related to taxes and workers' rights in the region. Following his assurance, documents were filed in the administrative court to address the concerns of project-affected workers. However, despite the efforts, a final decision has yet to be made.