Controversy in Mumbai over Marathi language rules; 331 auto‑taxi drivers receive RTO notice

Controversy has erupted in Mumbai over the decision to require basic knowledge of Marathi for auto‑rickshaw, taxi and app‑based cab drivers in Maharashtra. The RTO department in the state has issued notices to 331 drivers who could not demonstrate the required proficiency in Marathi. This includes 139 drivers from the Mumbai metropolitan region.

The administration says the purpose of the rule is to facilitate basic communication in the local language between drivers and passengers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that drivers do not need to be experts in Marathi, and that additional time has been provided to acquire the necessary level of language knowledge.

Meanwhile, some drivers have also questioned the language test conducted by the RTO. A few drivers have alleged that questions not covered in the training are being asked in the exam. This may lead to further controversy over the implementation of the rule and the testing method in the future.

Preparations have also been made to file a public interest litigation in the Mumbai High Court to challenge this decision. Thus, the issue of language policy in Maharashtra may now also reach the judicial level.