1 week ago
Maharashtra Auto, Taxi Drivers Protest Marathi Licensing Rule
Maharashtra introduced a rule requiring passenger-vehicle drivers to know basic Marathi.
It applies to taxi, autorickshaw, and app-based cab drivers.
The government says drivers need enough Marathi to communicate with passengers, not expert-level language skills.
Drivers who do not meet the requirement receive time to learn it.
Their licence and badge could later be suspended or cancelled if they still do not comply.
Drivers protested in several Mumbai areas and some began a three-day strike.
They said the tests could ask questions beyond their training and that learning Marathi is especially difficult for older workers.
The government says drivers have received extra time and that no licence had been cancelled.
Maharashtra made working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for commercial passenger-vehicle drivers, including app-based cab drivers.
The rules were notified on August 12, 2026, after which a three-month grace period ended on August 15 and enforcement began August 20.
Drivers found deficient are to receive one month to learn Marathi; suspension and possible licence cancellation may follow if they remain non-compliant.
Chief Minister Fadnavis said drivers need only basic, work-related Marathi, not expert-level fluency, and that no licence had been cancelled.
Protests and a three-day strike occurred as drivers questioned the testing process and the effect on older and low-income workers.
- Who
- Commercial passenger-vehicle drivers in Maharashtra, including taxi, autorickshaw, and app-based cab drivers; state officials and protesting drivers are also involved.
- What
- A Marathi working-knowledge requirement was added to the rules governing passenger-service vehicles and permits, prompting protests and a strike.
- Where
- Maharashtra, with demonstrations reported in Laljipada, Malad, Santacruz, Dahisar, and Andheri in Mumbai.
- When
- The amendment was notified on August 12, 2026; the grace period ended August 15, enforcement began August 20, and the checking drive was scheduled through September 30.
- Why
- The government says basic Marathi helps drivers and Marathi-speaking passengers communicate; drivers object to language being tied to their licences and livelihoods.
Government Rationale
Drivers’ Concerns
Language standard
Government Rationale
The government says drivers need only basic, work-related Marathi so passengers can communicate destinations, give instructions, and seek help. Fadnavis said there is no need for drivers to be Marathi experts.
Drivers’ Concerns
Drivers say they are willing to learn Marathi but question whether the language requirement should determine their ability to work and retain their licences.
Testing and enforcement
Government Rationale
Officials say drivers were given additional time and a one-month notice before stronger action. Pratap Sarnaik warned that RTO officials should not fine drivers before that notice period expires, and officials denied reports of Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 fines for lacking Marathi knowledge.
Drivers’ Concerns
Drivers said RTO questions went beyond government-backed training material. They also protested enforcement, with some saying the process could unfairly affect workers who depend on daily driving income.
Livelihood impact
Government Rationale
The rules allow time for drivers to acquire Marathi, and Fadnavis said no licence had been cancelled. The government also cited Marathi classes attended by many non-Marathi drivers.
Drivers’ Concerns
Drivers said older workers and those with limited education may struggle to learn another language while meeting daily income targets, particularly when they drive vehicles owned by contractors.
Key facts
- Regulation
- Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026
- Notification date
- August 12, 2026
- Covered drivers
- Taxi, autorickshaw, and app-based passenger-service drivers, including Ola and Uber drivers
- Enforcement timeline
- A three-month grace period ended August 15; enforcement began August 20
- Compliance process
- Drivers found deficient receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, followed by possible suspension and an additional three-month period
- Reported notices
- Notices were issued to 1,268 drivers on August 20 and 1,499 non-Marathi-speaking drivers on August 21
- Training participation
- Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said 1,65,600 non-Marathi autorickshaw and taxi drivers had attended Marathi classes
Quotes
Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra chief minister
“There is no reason to make them experts in Marathi. They should know work-related, basic Marathi”
businesstoday.in
An auto-rickshaw driver
Driver interviewed by India Today Digital
“Many auto-rickshaw drivers do not own their vehicles. Instead, they work under contractors who own several autos or cabs and pay drivers a share of their daily earnings.”
businesstoday.in
Sources
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