Maharashtra’s autorickshaw and taxi unions welcomed the government’s decision to give non-Marathi drivers another year to acquire working knowledge of Marathi. The extension eases immediate livelihood concerns, while unions plan additional classes to help drivers meet the language requirement
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced a one-year grace period for non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire basic Marathi proficiency. Drivers will face no licence or permit cancellations during the period, while unions will organise language classes and provide study materials
RTOs across Maharashtra issued notices to 331 autorickshaw and taxi drivers for failing to demonstrate working knowledge of Marathi. The latest checks covered 4,807 drivers, taking the statewide total to 35,190 vehicles inspected and 4,729 notices issued since August 20
Maharashtra has made working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for cab and autorickshaw drivers and permit holders under amended motor vehicle rules. Non-compliance may lead to suspension or revocation of licence authorisation. The move has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government supports learning Marathi but will not tolerate violence or intimidation in the name of language pride. His remarks came amid controversy over mandatory Marathi learning for non-Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers in the state
A Japanese woman learning a new Marathi word daily went viral, sparking debate on linguistic respect in Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray praised foreigners’ efforts to embrace local language and culture, urging locals to strengthen Marathi through economic and social engagement
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, some other opposition leaders and a few Marathi actors had also attended the protest, but their names did not figure in the First Information Report (FIR).
