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Auto drivers’ unions threaten statewide protests from May 4 over Marathi rule
Auto-rickshaw and taxi unions in Maharashtra announced protests starting May 4 in response to a government directive that would require Marathi proficiency for permits. They set an April 28 rollback deadline and plan a mass memorandum and signature campaign, while the transport department works on an SOP across 59 RTOs. The move could disrupt daily commuting at key public locations.
Why It Matters
The directive ties drivers' livelihoods to language proficiency and could affect a large number of auto rickshaws and taxis in the state, potentially disrupting public transport and daily commerce if not withdrawn.
Timeline
3 Events
Protests begin across Maharashtra; daily demonstrations planned
May 4, 2026
Protests are planned to begin on May 4 across Maharashtra, with daily demonstrations at railway stations, bus depots, markets, and at residential and commercial areas if the directive is not withdrawn. A statewide signature campaign is planned to mobilize public support.
April 28 deadline for rollback; mass memorandum planned
April 28, 2026
The ACMSSKSM set an April 28 deadline for the transport department to roll back the Marathi language directive. The union said drivers would submit a mass memorandum to the transport minister by that date if the order is not withdrawn.
ACMSSKSM announces protests starting May 4; rollback deadline set
April 20, 2026
ACMSSKSM announced plans for statewide protests beginning May 4 in Maharashtra if the government does not withdraw its directive requiring auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to read, write, and speak Marathi to retain permits. The union also set an April 28 deadline for the transport department to roll back the order. It said a mass memorandum would be submitted to the transport minister by April 28, and indicated that the state transport department is developing a standard operating procedure to implement the rule across 59 regional transport offices. The protests are intended to target key public locations such as railway stations, bus depots, markets, and residential and commercial areas.