Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis clarifies the government's stance on Marathi language proficiency for drivers, amid protests from autorickshaw drivers.
Mumbai, India Aug 25, 2026 ALN: Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has recently addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the requirement for proficiency in the Marathi language for autorickshaw and taxi drivers in the state. This issue has sparked significant debate and protest among drivers, particularly those who primarily speak Hindi or other languages. Fadnavis emphasized that the state government does not aim to make Hindi-speaking individuals experts in Marathi but rather expects them to possess a basic working knowledge of the language.
Fadnavis stated, “We are not trying to make our Hindi-speaking brothers experts in the Marathi language, but they should have working knowledge of the language. Efforts are being made to make them learn the language. The deadline to learn the language has been extended three times now.” This statement reflects the government's attempt to balance the cultural and linguistic identity of Maharashtra while also recognizing the diverse population that resides in the state, including many who speak Hindi as their first language.
Additionally, Fadnavis assured that the Mahayuti government would ensure that no one faces injustice based on language in the state. This assurance is crucial in a region where language often serves as a sensitive issue, impacting social dynamics, employment opportunities, and community relations.
In response to the language requirement, several autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai initiated a three-day strike. This protest was organized following directives from Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who is overseeing a statewide assessment of drivers' Marathi language proficiency. The strike highlights the tensions between the government’s language policy and the livelihood of drivers who may feel marginalized by such regulations.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai protest and observe a 3-day strike over Marathi language directive for auto, taxi and cab drivers.
One driver expressed frustration, stating, “There is a three-day autorickshaw strike. This has been called over the Marathi language directive. Nobody is listening to us. If you ask a 60-year-old person to suddenly speak Marathi, how will they do it? We want justice.” This sentiment reflects the challenges faced by older drivers who may have been operating in the city for decades without the need for proficiency in Marathi, highlighting the potential implications of the policy on their livelihoods.
Earlier, traffic on Kandivali Link Road was disrupted as a group of autorickshaw drivers halted their vehicles in protest against the Marathi language requirement. This protest caused significant delays for commuters, demonstrating the immediate impact of the drivers' actions on the daily lives of the public. Traffic disruptions are a common tactic in protests, as they draw attention to the grievances of the demonstrators while also inconveniencing the broader community.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, in a video message, reiterated that the Mahayuti government is committed to creating job opportunities without taking away existing jobs. He stated that while the government welcomes people from outside the state, it expects them to meet the Marathi language requirement. This approach indicates a desire to maintain cultural integrity while also acknowledging the economic realities of a diverse workforce.
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Sarnaik also indicated that he would request the government to allow more time for drivers to learn Marathi before taking any punitive actions. This proposal for leniency suggests an understanding of the challenges drivers may face in acquiring a new language, particularly for those who may not have had prior exposure to Marathi.
“But even after three months, if they fail to learn the language, then according to the rules, we will have to cancel their licenses and take away their badges,” he added. This statement underscores the seriousness of the language requirement and the potential consequences for drivers who do not comply, which could significantly impact their ability to earn a living.
As of August 21, RTO teams had assessed 9,233 drivers across Maharashtra, with 1,499 found lacking in practical Marathi knowledge and issued notices. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, 3,942 drivers were assessed, with 722 failing the language requirement. These statistics illustrate the scale of the issue and the number of drivers potentially affected by the new regulations. The assessments are part of a broader initiative to ensure that all drivers can communicate effectively with passengers, which is particularly important in a city as diverse as Mumbai.
The language proficiency requirement has implications beyond just communication; it touches on issues of identity, integration, and the rights of workers in a multicultural environment. As Mumbai continues to grow as a melting pot of cultures and languages, the challenge of ensuring that all residents can coexist and communicate effectively becomes increasingly important. The government’s approach to this issue will likely influence public perception and the future of similar policies in the state.
In conclusion, the language proficiency controversy in Maharashtra highlights the delicate balance between preserving local culture and accommodating a diverse population. As the state government navigates this issue, it will need to consider the voices of all stakeholders involved, including drivers, commuters, and the broader community, to arrive at a solution that promotes both cultural integrity and economic viability.
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