MUMBAI, April 17 -- Over 5,000 workers from across Maharashtra staged a protest outside the Office of the Labour Commissioner at BKC on Thursday, demanding the implementation of long-pending labour reforms. The demonstration underscored the mounting discontent among contractual workers, bank staff, ASHA workers and hawkers among others. Organised by the Maharashtra unit of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), the 'Kamgar Aakrosh Morcha' drew participation from over 35 affiliated unions. Protesters pressed for the implementation of already accepted demands, improved service conditions and the adoption of Haryana Model for contractual employment. Under the latter, government institutions directly employ workers instead of outsourcing to private contractors. Following the protest, labour minister Akash Fundkar met a delegation led by BMS Maharashtra president Anil Dumne and announced that a dedicated study group would soon be constituted to examine the Haryana Pattern as a possible model. Kiran Milkar, general secretary of BMS Maharashtra, told HT that eliminating intermediaries would enhance efficiency, ensure accountability and improve workers' welfare. "This contractor-driven system has little utility and leads to several problems," he said. The activist said they were also demanding implementation of demands accepted but unimplemented by the government. Participants from diverse sectors highlighted their grievances. Sachin Kolhe, a 42-year-old bank employee from Jalna, pointed to their inadequate pension. "We earn up to Rs.50,000 a month, but after retirement we get only Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000. Imagine surviving on 3% of your income. We demand a minimum pension of Rs.7,500 for survival," he said. Bank employees also reiterated their demand for a five-day work week. ASHA workers highlighted their poor pay and excessive workload. "We receive only Rs.100 as a mobile phone allowance," said Rajeshree Shinde, 42. "Is it even possible to manage calls in that amount? Instead of a salary, we are given a stipend. We demand proper wages." Street vendors raised concerns about eviction and lack of legal protection. The protest concluded with the submission of memorandums to the labour department. Union leaders warned that if their demands remained unaddressed, they would return with a larger mobilisation....