Marathi test or lose licence: Maharashtra's new rule for auto, cab drivers

A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra after Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that proficiency in Marathi will be made mandatory for all licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers from May 1. The directive requires drivers to demonstrate the ability to read and write Marathi during inspections at 59 regional transport offices, failing which their licences could be cancelled.

The state government has defended the move as an enforcement of existing local language provisions. However, the announcement has sparked sharp reactions from opposition parties, unions and political groups, turning the issue into a broader debate over identity, governance and livelihoods.

OPPOSITION FLAGS ‘POLARISATION’, QUESTIONS TIMING

Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the decision, saying that while respect for Marathi is important, cancelling licences over language proficiency is an extreme measure. He alleged that the move risks deepening social divisions for political gain.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande also questioned the timing of the announcement, calling it a “sudden awakening” by the government. He said his party would mobilise on the ground to ensure the policy is implemented meaningfully and not reduced to symbolism.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey, meanwhile, accused the ruling dispensation of appropriating their long-standing position on promoting Marathi. He said their party has already been conducting Marathi classes for non-local residents and drivers.

DRIVER UNIONS WARN OF LIVELIHOOD HIT

Driver unions have expressed strong opposition to the directive, warning of its impact on thousands of families dependent on the sector. Union leader Shashank Rao described the move as a direct threat to self-employed drivers, many of whom have valid domicile certificates and obtained permits under existing regulations.

He argued that instead of punitive measures, the government should focus on support mechanisms such as language training to help drivers comply.

IDENTITY POLITICS VS COSMOPOLITAN REALITY

With the May 1 deadline approaching, the issue has reignited the long-standing debate over regional identity and economic inclusion in Mumbai and across Maharashtra. While proponents see the policy as a step to uphold the status of Marathi, critics argue that strict enforcement through licence cancellation risks alienating migrant workers in a city known for its diversity.

The row once again highlights how language remains a potent political issue in the state, closely tied to employment concerns and electoral calculations.

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