Mumbai is facing a shortage of autorickshaws and taxis as drivers protest the Maharashtra government’s Marathi language requirement for commercial passenger vehicle operators.
A three-day strike began on Monday, with drivers alleging that Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials are asking questions beyond the material covered in their Marathi training. The checking drive began on August 20 and is scheduled to continue until September 30.
The rule requires taxi and autorickshaw drivers, including app-based cab operators, to have working knowledge of Marathi. Drivers who fail the test are issued a notice and given one month to meet the requirement. Continued non-compliance can lead to suspension of their badges for three months.
According to Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, 8,217 drivers were tested on the first day of the statewide drive, with 1,268 receiving notices. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, 3,995 drivers were tested, and 604 were found lacking the required Marathi knowledge.
Drivers say they are ready to learn Marathi but want the test to remain limited to the training provided by the government. They also argue that attending classes can reduce their working hours and daily income.
The strike has affected commuters, with reports of people waiting for long periods to find autos and taxis, particularly during the monsoon season.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the government does not want to target anyone based on language and only expects drivers to have basic working knowledge of Marathi. The transport department has also said the requirement has existed since 1989 but is now being strictly enforced.