Mumbai, August 15: Central Minister and leader of the Republican Party of India-A (RPI-A), Ramdas Athawale, has voiced strong opposition to the Maharashtra government’s decision mandating practical knowledge of the Marathi language for auto rickshaw and taxi drivers. He stated that creating disputes among people who speak different languages is inappropriate.
On Wednesday, Maharashtra’s Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, announced that licenses for auto rickshaw and taxi drivers could be revoked if they lack practical knowledge of Marathi.
In response, Athawale emphasized that Mumbai is the economic capital of India, attracting individuals from all parts of the country in search of employment and livelihood. He pointed out that the city hosts major industries and a thriving film industry, making it unreasonable to incite disputes over Hindi and Marathi. However, he acknowledged the importance of learning Marathi, stating that everyone residing in Maharashtra should acquire knowledge of the language. Nevertheless, he argued that immediate action against those who do not speak Marathi is not justified.
Athawale remarked, “An auto rickshaw driver is an ordinary working individual. He is a laborer earning around 20,000 rupees a month.”
He also referenced Sarnaik’s decision to provide classes for auto rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi. Athawale noted that many drivers are already learning the language, but it is unfair to revoke their permits due to language barriers. They should be given more time to learn.
The central minister claimed that approximately 80% of non-Marathi individuals in Maharashtra can speak Marathi. He mentioned that most residents in the state understand Marathi, with a significant number, including children, able to speak it.
The Maharashtra government has issued an official order to implement the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Rules, 2026 under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
According to the revised regulations, drivers lacking practical skills or working knowledge of Marathi will receive a one-month notice. If they fail to learn the language within that period, their licenses may be suspended for up to three months.
Failure to comply with the regulations after suspension could lead to permanent revocation of the driving license.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik clarified that this provision is not based on a new rule but is already part of the existing regulations from 1989, which had not been strictly enforced in the past.
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