The Mumbai Autorickshawmen’s Union plans a large-scale protest starting May 4, involving around 15 lakh drivers across Maharashtra. This action responds to a new government requirement mandating all licensed auto and taxi drivers to prove Marathi language proficiency, effective May 1.
The Mumbai Autorickshawmen’s Union has announced a mega protest set to commence from May 4, involving approximately 15 lakh auto drivers across Maharashtra. This statewide agitation comes in response to the Maharashtra government’s recent mandate requiring all licensed auto and taxi drivers to demonstrate proficiency in Marathi, effective from May 1.
Union leaders warn that the protests could lead to significant disruptions in auto services throughout the region.
Union representatives, including leader Shashank Rao, told TOI that nearly 5 lakh auto drivers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will participate in daily demonstrations if the government does not retract the new rule.The union plans to submit a memorandum to Transport Minister Pratap Saraki on April 28, urging the cancellation of the Marathi language requirement before it takes effect.
Rao expressed concerns regarding the government’s focus on auto drivers while ignoring issues surrounding illegal bike taxis and aggregator cab drivers. He stated, “The existing drivers have already proven their knowledge of Marathi when obtaining their badges. This new requirement unfairly targets traditional drivers, while others face no such scrutiny.” He further pointed out that many drivers are already complying with local language expectations and that the rule could exacerbate existing challenges in the sector.
Starting from May 1, all licensed auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra will need to exhibit their ability to read and write Marathi as part of a verification process conducted at 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices.
Those who fail to meet this requirement may face licence cancellations. Union leaders argue that the new rule is unnecessary, as many drivers have successfully navigated the licensing process without formal Marathi proficiency assessments.
Across Maharashtra, approximately 15 lakh permits have been issued, supporting an equivalent number of families reliant on this livelihood. The union intends to stage protests at key transportation hubs, including railway stations and bus depots, to draw attention to their cause.
The Maharashtra government’s decision has sparked considerable debate, with unions claiming that existing drivers already meet the necessary language requirements.
They argue that the government is unfairly singling out auto and kaali-peeli taxi drivers while not enforcing similar standards on aggregator cab drivers. This perception of inequity has intensified calls for a reconsideration of the rule.
https://www.timesnownews.com/mumbai/mega-protest-in-mumbai-on-may-4-15-lakh-auto-drivers-to-hit-streets-over-marathi-language-rule-article-154121823