No Marathi, no licence: State to crack down on taxi, auto drivers
Indian Express·3h ago·Fear
What Happened
Maharashtra's Transport Minister announced that starting May 1, Marathi language proficiency becomes compulsory for all licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. The state will conduct verification drives across 59 regional transport offices, testing drivers' ability to read, write, and speak Marathi. Drivers failing tests risk license cancellation. The rule existed since 1989 but lacked enforcement. Driver associations express concerns about migrant workers being disproportionately affected.
Key Entities
MaharashtraTransport Minister Pratap SarnaikMarathi languageAuto-rickshaw and taxi driversRegional transport officesMotor Vehicles Rules 1989Migrant workersMumbai Taxi Chalak Malak SenaBombay High Court