The Mumbai Autorickshawmen’s Union has announced a statewide agitation beginning May 4 against the Government of Maharashtra over a new directive requiring autorickshaw and taxi drivers to demonstrate proficiency in Marathi.
The rule, announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, will come into force on May 1 and will be implemented through a verification drive across 59 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in the state.
Union leaders warn that around 15 lakh drivers across Maharashtra including about 5 lakh in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region could participate in daily demonstrations if the decision is not withdrawn, potentially leading to disruptions and a shortage of autos on roads.
Drivers’ unions argue that the rule unfairly targets traditional permit-holding drivers while similar checks are not imposed on aggregator cab operators or alleged illegal bike taxis. Meanwhile, the state government has defended the move, saying it aims to ensure better communication between drivers and passengers and promote the use of the local language in public services.
Protests May Disrupt Public Transport
Auto-rickshaw and taxi unions across Maharashtra have set April 28 as the deadline for the government to reconsider the decision, after which daily protests will begin on May 4 if their demands remain unmet. Leaders say demonstrations will be organised at major railway stations, bus depots, markets, residential areas and auto stands across the state, locations that are central to daily commuter movement.
According to union estimates, Maharashtra has around 15 lakh permit-holding auto and taxi drivers, many of whom depend entirely on this work for their livelihood. In Mumbai alone, there are roughly 2.8 lakh autorickshaws operating on city roads, while the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region accounts for close to 5 lakh vehicles. Union representatives say each permit holder typically supports an entire household, meaning the sector directly sustains lakhs of families.
Union leader Shashank Rao criticised the directive, saying the rule places an additional burden on drivers who have already complied with strict regulations to obtain permits. “Anyone living and working in Maharashtra should be considered Marathi,” he said, adding that basic communication with passengers should be sufficient for the job. He also warned that stripping licences based on language proficiency could create serious economic distress for drivers and their families.
Union groups have also announced plans to submit a memorandum to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on April 28 demanding that the rule be withdrawn before it officially comes into effect. If their concerns are not addressed, unions say demonstrations will continue daily until the government responds.
Marathi Rule Sparks Wider Debate
The controversy stems from the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Marathi proficiency mandatory for licensed autorickshaw and taxi drivers across the state. From May 1, drivers may be required to demonstrate their ability to read, write and speak Marathi during verification checks conducted by the transport department at 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices.
Authorities say drivers who repeatedly fail to meet the requirement could face suspension or cancellation of their licences or permits. The state government has defended the rule, arguing that knowledge of the local language is important for effective communication with passengers and for understanding road signs and regulations.
Officials say the requirement aligns with provisions under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, which historically emphasise a working knowledge of Marathi for public service vehicle drivers. However, the decision has sparked strong opposition from unions and some legal experts.
Driver groups argue that existing permit holders had already met language requirements when they obtained their badges and that the sudden enforcement of stricter criteria could unfairly penalise workers who have been operating legally for years. Some unions have also indicated that they may challenge the directive in court, citing concerns that similar language requirements were previously contested before the judiciary.
Another major point of contention raised by unions is the perceived unequal enforcement of regulations within the transport sector. Representatives claim that app-based cab operators and certain bike taxi services do not face the same level of scrutiny or permit verification as traditional autorickshaw and “kaali-peeli” taxi drivers. They argue that this creates an uneven playing field for drivers who have paid permit fees, undergone police verification and complied with regulatory norms over the years.
The issue has also sparked wider debate about language, migration and employment in urban centres like Mumbai, where the workforce in the transport sector includes people from many different parts of India. For many drivers who migrated to Maharashtra in search of livelihood opportunities, the rule raises concerns about job security and accessibility to language training within a limited timeframe.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s strength lies in its diversity of languages, cultures and communities that coexist within shared public spaces. Promoting regional languages is an important way of preserving cultural identity and ensuring that public services remain accessible to local residents. At the same time, policies affecting livelihoods must be implemented thoughtfully, especially when they impact workers in the informal economy who already face financial uncertainty.
The ongoing debate around the Marathi proficiency rule highlights the need for balanced policymaking. Rather than framing language as a barrier, authorities could explore solutions that encourage learning through accessible training programmes, transitional timelines and fair enforcement across all transport providers. Such steps would support both cultural pride and economic security while preventing unnecessary social tensions.
