Maharashtra Grants Extra Time for Auto and Taxi Drivers in Thane to Learn Marathi
The Maharashtra government will continue its initiative to provide practical Marathi language training to non-Marathi-speaking autorickshaw and taxi drivers, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Tuesday. Training workshops will proceed across several areas, including Thane, Bhiwandi, Mumbai, Nalasopara, Vasai-Virar, and Navi Mumbai.
Under the framework, drivers will receive an initial one-month period to learn Marathi, which can be extended by an additional three months if required. Sarnaik confirmed that drivers' badges will not be cancelled during this learning window, although suspension actions remain permissible under the law. However, drivers who deliberately refuse to learn the language even after the extended timeline could face the cancellation of their badges.
Around 1.65 lakh autorickshaw and taxi drivers across the state have already undergone training under a special 105-day programme organised by the Transport Department as part of its social responsibility initiative. The workshops are being conducted through the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.
Sarnaik dismissed claims and rumours regarding penalties, clarifying that authorities have not levied fines on drivers over language proficiency. He rejected reports claiming drivers faced penalties between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000, stating that no autorickshaw or taxi driver has been fined even Rs 500.
The minister stated that political figures, including Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam and Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, as well as transport union representatives, had reached out to him regarding the matter. Sarnaik alleged that certain leaders were attempting to manufacture a controversy in Mumbai and Thane with an eye on upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and he urged drivers not to fall prey to rumours.
Taxi and auto-rickshaw union leader Shashank Rao stated that unions had requested a three-month extension for drivers to learn the language, which the government approved. Rao noted that earlier concerns emerged after learning centres ceased operations after August 15, but confirmed the issue has since been resolved.
Sarnaik reaffirmed that the government’s language drives, including the Hinduhṛiday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Campaign, will carry forward. He stressed that the administration's goal is to support employment rather than jeopardise livelihoods.
