Auto drivers protesting on Kandivali Link Road in Mumbai on Monday.
A section of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra is protesting a government directive requiring them to have a working knowledge of Marathi, with drivers demanding more time to comply and opposing hefty fines.
Drivers seek more time, oppose fines
Drivers claim many transport workers from other states are only beginning to learn Marathi and speak the language only partially.
They have questioned the need for immediate penalties instead of being given additional time to meet the requirement.
The protesters said they could face fines of ₹15,000-20,000 and announced a three-day strike, demanding that the government reconsider the enforcement process.
The issue has sparked growing concern among transport unions, particularly among drivers who have migrated to Maharashtra from states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Hindi-speaking auto drivers in Gondia, Maharashtra, appealed to the government not to take action
RTO teams to inspect drivers
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has said Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad will oversee the one-month campaign across Maharashtra.
RTO flying squads will inspect auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to check compliance with the new rules. Officials will also record videos during the verification process, according to the department’s plan.
Drivers question what ‘working knowledge’ means
DM Gosavi, leader of the Seva Sarathi Auto-Rickshaw Taxi and Transport Union, said the government has made working knowledge of Marathi mandatory but has not clearly defined the level of proficiency required.
He warned that unclear rules could create scope for corruption within the RTO system and lead to financial exploitation of drivers.
Many auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra come from other states and have limited or no knowledge of Marathi. They fear that failure to meet the requirement could affect their licences and permits.
Government plans Marathi lessons for 6 lakh drivers
According to the government, Maharashtra has around 9.16 lakh auto-rickshaws and 61,657 taxis, with a significant number operating in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The government plans to bring around 6 lakh drivers into the Marathi-learning initiative. Sarnaik said 1,65,601 drivers have already joined the campaign, which began a few months ago.
Sarnaik once drove an auto-rickshaw in Thane
Sarnaik, who introduced the directive, has himself worked as an auto-rickshaw driver in Thane before entering politics. He also sold incense sticks and calendars during his early years.
He later entered the real estate and hospitality sectors and was associated with the Vihang Group. In his 2024 election affidavit, he listed his profession as builder and hotel businessman. He is currently an MLA from the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena.
Ramdas Athawale backs drivers
Union Minister and RPI(A) chief Ramdas Athawale has supported the drivers’ demand for more time.
Athawale said immediate action against drivers who do not know Marathi would be inappropriate, especially when many are already trying to learn the language. He warned that cancelling licences or permits could intensify the dispute and threaten the livelihoods of drivers from other states.
