Mumbai Auto Unions Seek 3-Month Extension for Drivers to Learn Marathi

Auto and taxi unions in Mumbai have approached the Maharashtra government seeking a three-month extension and a freeze on punitive actions to help commercial vehicle drivers comply with the state's Marathi language requirement.

Shashank Rao, president of the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen's Union, said drivers need adequate time to complete the language learning process without the fear of losing their livelihood. Rao clarified that the union is seeking additional time rather than an exemption from learning Marathi, following growing concern among drivers over notices and enforcement by Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik clarified on Monday that under the August 12 government resolution, RTO officials must issue a one-month notice to drivers who lack working knowledge of Marathi. Sarnaik stated that officials cannot penalise drivers during this initial one-month window, warning that action will be taken against any RTO official found wrongly fining drivers before that period ends.

The minister's statement followed a meeting with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, who appealed for fines to be halted after alleging that some drivers were being fined up to Rs 25,000 without receiving the mandatory one-month notice.

According to the state procedure, drivers who fail to meet the requirement after the one-month notice will have their licence and badge suspended and will be granted an additional three months to learn Marathi. Licences will be cancelled only if drivers fail to comply after this extended period or deliberately refuse to learn.

Enforcement data shows RTOs issued notices to 1,268 commercial passenger vehicle drivers on August 20 and another 1,499 non-Marathi-speaking drivers across Maharashtra on August 21. Sarnaik stated that 1,65,600 non-Marathi autorickshaw and taxi drivers have attended government-encouraged Marathi classes so far.

Other union representatives, including taxi union president K K Tiwari and Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union general secretary Tambi Kurian, appealed to drivers and commuters not to panic over unverified strike claims circulating on social media, reiterating that unions are focused on securing a fair timeline and clear implementation from the government.