Auto-rickshaw and taxi unions across Maharashtra have opposed the state transport department’s decision to make knowledge of Marathi mandatory for drivers, warning of a statewide protest if the rule is not withdrawn.
Under the banner of the Autorickshaw Chalak Malak Sanghatana Sanyukt Kruti Samiti Maharashtra (ACMSSKSM), unions have announced plans to launch an agitation from May 4 if the decision is not rolled back by April 28.
As part of the protest, demonstrations will be held at railway stations, bus depots, marketplaces and residential areas. The unions also plan to conduct a large-scale signature campaign to garner public support.
Union president Shashank Rao said drivers are not opposed to Marathi, but object to making it a compulsory condition for livelihood. He stated that basic language knowledge is sufficient for communication with passengers and warned that a language test should not threaten employment. A memorandum signed by drivers will be submitted to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
The state government has proposed that all auto and taxi drivers must be able to read, write and speak Marathi to retain their licences. A standard operating procedure is being prepared for implementation across 59 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), with the rule set to come into effect from May 1.
Unions claim the decision could impact around 1.5 million licensed drivers and their families across the state, including nearly 500,000 drivers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
They also argued that drivers already comply with police verification and local residency requirements, while similar rules are not enforced on app-based cab or e-bike taxi operators, calling the move discriminatory.
The unions have warned that cancelling licences over language criteria could leave thousands of drivers unemployed.
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