Mumbai: Autorickshaw and taxi drivers holding licences in the state will be required to show that they know Marathi from May 1, as the transport department prepares a verification drive across 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers must be able to read and write Marathi, and warned that those who fail the requirement could lose their licences. The decision has drawn strong opposition from drivers’ unions, who say it could affect the livelihoods of thousands already working in the sector and may be challenged in court.

They also argue that drivers had already met the condition of having a “working knowledge of Marathi” when they were issued badges.

Statewide verification drive announced

The transport department’s decision will be implemented through inspections and verification exercises across 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices.

Officials said the exercise is aimed at assessing whether drivers meet the Marathi language requirement as part of licensing norms.

Drivers’ unions raise strong objections

Following the announcement, a union leader told TOI that the association strongly opposes the move, claiming it could lead to bribery demands to clear non-Marathi speaking drivers. He said the relevant provision under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules refers only to a “working knowledge” of Marathi and not a formal test of reading, writing, or fluency.

He also warned that if licences or badges are cancelled, the union would approach the court to challenge the decision.

Concerns over livelihood and fairness

DA Salian from the Mumbai Taxi Association said many drivers have been in service for years and random cancellation of licences based on language would be unfair. He added that families depend on this profession and questioned the feasibility of applying such rules retrospectively.

He further said the government cannot enforce a statewide campaign targeting all existing drivers who are already earning a livelihood.

Government defends language requirement

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik maintained that the rule is not new and said knowledge of the local language has always been part of the licensing framework for autorickshaw and taxi drivers. He stated that the government has received complaints from passengers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nagpur about drivers being unable to communicate in Marathi or avoiding its use.

“It is the duty of every person to learn the language of the region in which they live for their livelihood,” the minister said, adding that citizens should take pride in their mother tongue while also respecting the language of the state where they work.

He also warned transport officials against bypassing rules, stating that strict action would be taken against those who issue licences improperly.

Dispute over interpretation of rules

Union leaders argue that the minister is expanding the legal requirement beyond its intent. Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien said drivers already undergo domicile verification, police checks, and other formalities while applying for permits.

He explained that for public service vehicle badges, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of routes and local geography, adding that “working knowledge” only implies basic Marathi needed for daily communication.

Drivers fear financial impact

Several drivers expressed concern that the verification exercise could affect their livelihood. An autorickshaw driver from the eastern suburbs said his vehicle was purchased on loan and cancellation of his badge would leave him without income while EMIs continue.

Another driver from the western suburbs said the process could lead to corruption, with enforcement officials allegedly deciding arbitrarily who meets the language requirement.

With agency inputs