Auto and taxi unions have sought a three-month extension for drivers to comply with Maharashtra’s Marathi language requirement, citing concerns over penalties and livelihood risks. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers must first receive a one-month notice before action. RTOs have issued notices to 2,767 commercial vehicle drivers across Maharashtra for inadequate Marathi knowledge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/auto-and-taxi-unions-seek-three-month-extension-for-marathi-language-rule-compliance-in-maharashtra