Maharashtra's Marathi proficiency mandate for auto/taxi drivers faces legal and livelihood concerns
The Maharashtra government is enforcing a Marathi proficiency requirement for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, following complaints about communication issues with passengers. This initiative, which includes a 105-day training and assessment drive, has seen many drivers fail or not complete the training. The move revives legal questions, as the Bombay High Court had previously struck down a similar requirement in 2017. Unions argue that the focus should be on training rather than penalizing drivers whose livelihoods depend on their licenses, especially considering many are migrants or older workers with limited formal education. The government maintains it is enforcing existing rules and has amended them to formalize Marathi proficiency as a condition for permits and renewals.
Key Points
- Maharashtra is enforcing Marathi proficiency for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers due to passenger complaints about communication.
- The mandate involves a training and assessment drive, with many drivers failing or not completing it.
- The policy faces legal challenges, as the Bombay High Court previously struck down a similar requirement in 2017.
- Unions are concerned about the impact on drivers' livelihoods, particularly migrants and older workers with limited education.
- Drivers who fail will receive a notice and a month to learn, with repeated violations potentially leading to permanent license suspension.
Exam Facts
- The Maharashtra government's initiative includes a 105-day training and assessment drive.
- The Bombay High Court struck down a similar Marathi proficiency requirement for auto-rickshaw permits in 2017.
- Mumbai has over 2.8 lakh auto-rickshaw permits and around 20,000 taxi permits, covering an estimated five lakh drivers.
- Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules pertains to language requirements for Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badges.
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