Maharashtra Marathi Rule Sparks Three-Day Auto, Taxi Strike

Maharashtra’s new Marathi language requirement for auto-rickshaw, taxi and cab drivers has triggered a major dispute in Mumbai. The state transport department has issued notices to drivers who have not complied with the requirement, asking them to learn Marathi within a specified period. Drivers who fail to meet the requirement have raised concerns over possible fines and action affecting their licences and permits.

In protest, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai began a three-day strike on Monday. The strike has affected several areas across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with protesters blocking roads in some locations and disrupting traffic movement. Driver associations say many workers, particularly elderly drivers and those with limited formal education, may find it difficult to learn the language within a short deadline. They have also objected to proposed penalties ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 for failing the language assessment.

The transport authorities have clarified that the language assessment is intended to check only basic Marathi communication required during everyday interactions with passengers. Regional Transport Office officials are conducting oral tests covering simple situations such as asking passengers their destination, communicating fares and discussing meter-related matters. The department has said that drivers will receive additional time to learn Marathi and that licences will not be cancelled immediately merely because a driver fails the test. Reports indicate that around 1.65 lakh drivers have already completed Marathi training and received certificates.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also responded to the controversy and the strike. He said the issue of learning Marathi should not be unnecessarily politicised and clarified that the government would not take steps that threaten the livelihoods of drivers. He said auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers’ licences are not being cancelled and indicated that the deadline for learning Marathi could be extended. According to the government, drivers are expected to learn only the basic Marathi needed to communicate with passengers.