Maharashtra extends Marathi language deadline for taxi and tuk-tuk drivers by one year
Maharashtra has granted taxi and tuk-tuk drivers an additional year to acquire basic Marathi skills after protests over a rule that could suspend licences.
In August, Maharashtra introduced a rule requiring taxi and tuk-tuk drivers to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi, with licence suspension as a possible penalty for non-compliance. The measure sparked protests from unions representing many drivers who migrated from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states. Responding to the outcry, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an extra year for drivers to learn the language, and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik indicated that additional extensions could be granted.
The government has organized short courses covering common phrases, and 166,000 drivers have already cleared the oral exam. Nonetheless, drivers like Ajay Singh find it hard to attend classes without losing daily earnings, while others such as Lakhan Pandey welcome the relief the extension provides. The debate revives long-standing tensions over Marathi identity, migration and employment in the state.
Why it matters
The decision affects the livelihoods of nearly a million drivers and highlights ongoing language-identity politics in Maharashtra.
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