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Devendra Fadnavis stated those that want extra time to be taught the language might be given an extension by the federal government.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (File picture)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday sought to ease considerations over the state authorities’s Marathi language directive for industrial car drivers, saying Hindi-speaking drivers don’t must be fluent in Marathi however ought to know sufficient of the language to speak with passengers.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister acknowledged that satisfactory alternatives might be offered to those that have to be taught the language.
“Hindi-speaking auto-rickshaw drivers don’t have to turn out to be consultants in Marathi; they need to know sufficient useful Marathi to get by. Those that want extra time might be given an extension by the federal government. Nobody might be handled unfairly on the premise of language. The BJP–Shiv Sena–NCP Mahayuti authorities won’t permit anybody to face injustice due to their language,” CM Fadnavis stated.
Auto Drivers Launch 3-Day Strike Over Marathi Rule
Fadnavis’ clarification got here after a bit of autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai launched a three-day strike on Monday towards the federal government’s directive. Drivers staged protests, together with a roadblock on Kandivli Hyperlink Highway, and raised considerations about penalties and the monetary burden related to complying with the rule.
The controversy follows amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Automobiles Guidelines that require authorised drivers of motor cabs fitted with digital meters to have a “working information of Marathi”. Drivers discovered unable to show the required proficiency are issued notices and given one month to amass the language expertise and seem for an examination. Repeated non-compliance can lead to suspension or cancellation of their authorisation.
What Is Maharashtra’s Marathi Directive For Drivers?
The controversy follows amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Automobiles Guidelines that require authorised drivers of motor cabs fitted with digital meters to have a “working information of Marathi”. Drivers discovered unable to show the required proficiency are issued notices and given one month to amass the language expertise and seem for an examination. Repeated non-compliance can lead to suspension or cancellation of their authorisation.
The Transport Division started inspections from August 20 to evaluate drivers’ Marathi proficiency. In line with the most recent figures, 5,211 autorickshaw and taxi drivers have been checked throughout Maharashtra, together with 3,942 within the Mumbai Metropolitan Area. Of these inspected within the MMR, 722 have been discovered to lack information of Marathi and have been issued notices.
Drivers protesting in Mumbai have argued that older and less-educated members of the occupation might wrestle to fulfill the requirement throughout the stipulated interval. The implementation has additionally affected auto and taxi availability on some routes throughout the Mumbai Metropolitan Area, with a number of drivers reportedly avoiding areas the place checks are being carried out.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18The Marathi language rule for auto drivers might be enforced with some flexibility; these needing extra time to be taught the language will obtain an extension from the federal government. Drivers aren’t anticipated to be fluent however ought to know sufficient useful Marathi to speak with passengers.
Ask News18Concerning the Creator
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s normal desk. She comes with an expertise of over 5 years in media business. She covers politics and different arduous information. She may be contacted at Manish…Learn Extra
August 24, 2026, 18:50 IST
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