Maharashtra Govt Extends Deadline for Auto, Taxi Drivers To Learn Marathi Language

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Maharashtra has extended the Marathi language deadline for auto and taxi drivers by one year.
Drivers will not face action during the additional period for failing to meet the language requirement.
A delegation of unions met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and requested more time to comply.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has decided to provide one additional year for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn basic Marathi, following discussions with transport unions and enforcement-related concerns.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision while speaking to reporters in Mumbai.

Maharashtra Marathi Language Rule Gets One-Year Extension

Under the revised timeline, drivers who have not yet acquired the required basic Marathi skills will receive an additional year to comply.

The government has also clarified that no action will be taken during this extended period against drivers solely for failing to meet the language requirement.

The decision follows several days of enforcement activity and discussions surrounding the implementation of the language condition.

Taxi and Auto Unions Welcome Decision

Autorickshaw and taxi unions have welcomed the government’s decision to extend the deadline.

Union representatives have indicated that drivers are willing to learn basic Marathi but had sought additional time to complete the requirement.

A delegation representing the unions met Fadnavis in Mumbai, led by Haji Arfat, and formally requested an extension.

Drivers Agree to Learn Marathi

During the meeting, the delegation reportedly conveyed its willingness to comply with the language requirement while highlighting the practical difficulties faced by drivers in meeting the earlier deadline.

The government’s decision provides drivers with additional time to acquire the necessary language skills without the immediate threat of enforcement.

The extension is expected to ease tensions between transport unions and authorities while giving drivers a clearer timeframe for compliance.

What Happens Next?

Drivers will now have another year to develop basic Marathi language skills under the extended timeline.

The government’s decision also creates an opportunity for authorities and transport unions to work together on awareness and language-learning initiatives.