Maharashtra gives drivers a year to learn Marathi

MUMBAI: Maharashtra has given taxi and tuk-tuk drivers an additional year to learn Marathi after a new language requirement triggered protests from drivers’ unions.

Transport officials began testing drivers on basic Marathi conversations on August 20. Under the initial rules, drivers who failed the test were given one month to improve their language skills, with the possibility of having their licences suspended or cancelled.

The state government said the requirement was introduced to improve communication between drivers and passengers and make journeys safer. However, drivers’ unions opposed the strict deadline, arguing that many workers could lose their livelihoods before they had enough time to learn the language.

A large number of drivers in Maharashtra are migrants from other Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Many have come to the state, particularly Mumbai, in search of employment.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis subsequently announced a one-year extension, saying some drivers had been outside the formal education system for many years and needed additional time. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers would be expected to use the extension period to learn Marathi.

The state has nearly 979,000 valid permits for taxis and tuk-tuks, with almost half operating in the Mumbai metropolitan region.

Under the revised requirement, drivers do not have to read or write Marathi or speak it fluently. They are expected to have enough working knowledge to communicate with passengers during their daily work.

The government has arranged language classes covering commonly used words and phrases. Drivers are taught how to ask passengers about destinations, discuss fares and provide directions.

Around 166,000 drivers have already completed the training and passed an oral examination, according to the state transport department.

Some drivers, however, say attending classes remains difficult because of their long working hours. Mumbai taxi driver Ajay Singh said he spends most of the day driving and cannot easily sacrifice working hours to attend lessons.

He said he earns around 1,500 to 2,000 rupees a day and fears that losing even a few days of income could make it difficult to cover household expenses, rent and school fees.

Other drivers are trying to learn the language while working. Some listen to Marathi radio programmes during their shifts and practise conversations with Marathi-speaking passengers.

The language requirement has also revived a wider debate over identity, migration and employment in Maharashtra. The state has a long history of political movements centred on protecting Marathi language and the interests of local residents.

Supporters of the requirement argue that people who live and work in Maharashtra for extended periods should have a basic understanding of the local language. Critics, however, say language rules should not put workers’ livelihoods at risk.