Auto And Taxi Unions Seek Three-Month Extension For Marathi Language Rule Compliance In Maharashtra

Mumbai: Auto and taxi unions are seeking more time for drivers to comply with the state's Marathi language requirement, with leaders asking the government for a three-month extension and a pause on punitive action during this period. The demand comes amid anxiety among non-Marathi-speaking drivers over notices and reports of heavy fines. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, meanwhile, has clarified that drivers must first be given a month's time to learn Marathi before any action can be initiated against them.

Mumbai auto union seeks extension to help drivers learn Marathi without livelihood fears

Shashank Rao, president of the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen's Union, said drivers should be given adequate time to learn the language and complete the process without fear of losing their livelihood. "The union has sought a three-month extension and requested the government not to take punitive action against drivers during this period," he said. Rao said the concern among drivers has increased following reports of action by RTO officials and uncertainty over the implementation of the requirement. He maintained that the demand is for additional time to comply with the rule, rather than an exemption from learning Marathi.

K K Tiwari, president of a taxi union, said the uncertainty among drivers was further fuelled by a Facebook message claiming that a strike would be held on August 24. He said around 80% of auto and Ola-Uber drivers participated in some areas, although union leaders did not support the shutdown. Tiwari said the focus should remain on giving drivers clarity about the government's timeline and ensuring that action is not taken before the prescribed period ends.

Rickshaw union appeals to drivers against panic and misinformation

Tambi Kurian, general secretary of the Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union, also appealed to drivers and commuters not to panic or believe unverified information. He said the union had not called an official strike or protest. The leaders said their immediate priority was to ensure that drivers are given sufficient time to learn Marathi and that the implementation process remains clear and fair.

Sarnaik on Monday said the August 12 government resolution requires RTO officials to issue a one-month notice to autorickshaw and taxi drivers who do not have working knowledge of Marathi. During this period, officials cannot penalise drivers for failing to meet the requirement. "If an RTO official is found to have wrongly fined drivers before a month's notice ends, action will be taken against him," Sarnaik said.

After the one-month period, drivers who fail to meet the requirement will have their licence and badge suspended and will be given another three months to learn Marathi. If they fail to comply even after this additional period, their licence will be cancelled. Sarnaik, however, said drivers who deliberately refuse to learn the language would face action.

The minister's clarification came after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam met him and appealed for the imposition of fines to be stopped. Nirupam alleged that some drivers were being fined as much as Rs 25,000 without being issued the mandatory one-month notice.

Meanwhile, the enforcement process has already begun. RTOs issued notices to 1,268 commercial passenger vehicle drivers, mainly autorickshaw and taxi drivers, on August 20 for lacking adequate knowledge of Marathi. A day later, notices were issued to another 1,499 non-Marathi-speaking drivers across Maharashtra.

Sarnaik said the government has also been encouraging drivers to learn the language, stating that 1,65,600 non-Marathi autorickshaw and taxi drivers have attended Marathi classes so far.

The unions' demand is now focused on extending the transition period and ensuring that drivers are not penalised before the prescribed deadline. For the thousands of drivers affected, the issue has become a balance between complying with the language requirement and protecting their livelihood during the transition.

To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/