As Maharashtra Govt Pushes Marathi, Sena MLAs Seek More Time for Auto, Taxi Drivers to Learn
Drivers without practical Marathi were given one month to comply as officials inspected 5,211 across Maharashtra and warned of permit action for repeat violations.
- Starting August 20, the Maharashtra Transport Department tested 5,211 drivers for Marathi proficiency, issuing notices to 777 drivers found lacking practical knowledge through September 30, 2026.
- Proficiency is mandatory under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 2026, implemented following the 105-day Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Campaign where 1.65 lakh drivers received certificates.
- RTO Marshals are testing drivers at junctions by asking basic questions like "Please start the meter," sparking political debate between the Shiv Sena UBT and the BJP over enforcement methods.
- Shiv Sena MLA Mangesh Kudalkar urged Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to take a "liberal view," noting 60 to 70 percent of drivers attended language classes and requesting additional time.
- Drivers failing the test receive one month to learn Marathi before re-testing, with non-compliance risking license suspension for up to three months as the inspection campaign proceeds.
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11 Articles
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Mumbai auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers began a three-day strike on August 24 to protest Maharashtra’s mandatory Marathi proficiency rule. Drivers say the requirement and penalties are unfair, particularly for older workers with limited education. The Transport Department has begun checks, giving drivers one month to learn Marathi before possible badge suspension. 📝 Mumbai Autorickshaw Drivers Strike Videos: Why Drivers Are Protesting Marathi Lan…
The Problem Isn’t Marathi. It’s Making It a Condition to Earn
The Constitution gave languages territorial recognition without making territory linguistically exclusive. Marathi may facilitate communication with many passengers, but it remains one means of performing that function rather than the only substance.
MUMBAI AUTO-TAXI ROW: SP Questions Why Marathi Rule Targets Working-Class Drivers
<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="13" data-end="563">The controversy over making Marathi language proficiency mandatory for auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra has intensified, with the issue now entering Uttar Pradesh’s political debate. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the Maharashtra government, arguing that while every state’s language deserves respect, language should not be used for political purposes o…
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