BackPOLITICS
Rethink Marathi exams for auto/taxi drivers, Nirupam urges minister Pratap Sarnaik
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam urged the Maharashtra government to rethink its decision to require Marathi exams for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers and to relax the expectations for drivers who speak broken or working Marathi. He wrote to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, arguing language should be taught with love, not enforced through exams. The government had announced a Marathi-language requirement from May 1, prompting protests from some driver unions.
Why It Matters
The issue touches on language policy and the livelihoods of migrant drivers in Mumbai, highlighting political dynamics within the ruling coalition and potential disruptions to city transport.
Timeline
3 Events
April 23, 2026: Trade unions threaten state-wide agitation over Marathi rule
April 23, 2026
Some auto-rickshaw driver trade unions have threatened to launch a state-wide agitation from May 4 in response to the government’s Marathi-language exam policy and its enforcement drive.
April 23, 2026: Nirupam writes to minister urging rethink of Marathi exam policy
April 23, 2026
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam sent a letter to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik urging the government to rethink its decision to hold Marathi exams for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, arguing for relaxation for drivers who speak broken or working Marathi and condemning enforcement as potentially detrimental to livelihoods.
April 2026: Transport Minister announces Marathi language requirement for auto drivers
April 2026
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that speaking Marathi would be mandatory for auto drivers from May 1, and that all 59 Regional Transport Offices in Maharashtra would conduct a special drive to enforce the rule.