3 weeks ago
BJP leader promises to seek extension of Marathi learning deadline
In Mumbai, India, people who drive auto-rickshaws and taxis have to learn the local language, Marathi.
The state government said they must do this by August 15.
A leader named Haji Arafat Shaikh met with the drivers to talk about it.
He told them not to worry or be afraid.
He promised to ask the government for more time to learn Marathi.
The government gave drivers about 100 days to learn and sent about 4,000 teachers to help.
Heavy rains made it hard for many drivers to learn.
Some drivers already know Marathi, but many say they need more time.
They are asking for an extension of the deadline.
BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh met auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai on Saturday, August 8, 2026, over the Marathi learning deadline.
Shaikh assured drivers he would approach the Maharashtra government to seek an extension of the August 15 deadline for non-Marathi-speaking drivers.
Shaikh said the state government gave drivers about 100 days to learn Marathi after unions requested six months.
The state deployed nearly 4,000 teachers to teach Marathi to drivers, but Shaikh said monsoon rains made learning difficult.
Several drivers said they are willing to learn Marathi but need more time, requesting the government to extend the deadline.
- Who
- BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, and Maharashtra government officials including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar
- What
- A meeting where Shaikh assured drivers he would urge the government to extend the August 15 Marathi learning deadline
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- When
- Saturday, August 8, 2026, ahead of the August 15 deadline
- Why
- Many non-Marathi-speaking drivers struggled to learn Marathi in time due to monsoon disruptions and the difficulty of the language
Drivers Seek More Time
Government Deadline Stands
Marathi learning deadline
Drivers Seek More Time
Shaikh and drivers argue the August 15 deadline is hard to meet because monsoon rains disrupted lessons and many drivers still need more time; they request an extension.
Government Deadline Stands
The government gave drivers about 100 days to learn Marathi and deployed nearly 4,000 teachers, conducting written tests to ensure drivers learn the language within the allotted time.
Key facts
- Deadline
- August 15
- Time given to drivers
- About 100 days
- Initial request by unions
- Six months
- Teachers deployed
- Nearly 4,000
- Number of auto-rickshaws
- More than one lakh
- Language required
- Marathi
- Locations assessed by Shaikh
- Bhiwandi and Malegaon
Quotes
BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh
BJP political leader addressing transport workers
“"I was born in Mumbai and have been driving an auto‑rickshaw for many years. I know Marathi, but there are still some auto‑rickshaw drivers who are finding it a little difficult. They are willing to learn, but they need some time to do so."”
freepressjournal.in
“"When we had our first meeting, I specifically told Pratap Sarnaik, and through all the unions, we requested that we be given six months. He said that we would certainly be given the required time to learn."”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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