Maharashtra grants taxi and tuk-tuk drivers one year to learn Marathi

The government of Maharashtra has granted taxi and tuk-tuk drivers a one-year extension to learn Marathi, the state's official language, following widespread protests. The original mandate required drivers to demonstrate basic conversational skills in Marathi, with failure to do so risking the suspension or cancellation of their licenses.

Transport officials argued the rule was intended to enhance passenger communication and safety. However, drivers' unions protested the measure, citing concerns that many workers—many of whom are migrants from Hindi-speaking states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar—could lose their livelihoods.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the extension, noting that many drivers have been out of the formal education system for years and require more time. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik indicated that while the extension is in place, further extensions may follow. The decision provides relief to a workforce that includes nearly 979,000 permit holders, approximately half of whom operate in the Mumbai metropolitan region.