Mumbai Autorickshaw Drivers Strike Videos: Why Drivers Are Protesting Marathi Language Test
Mumbai auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers began a three-day strike on August 24 to protest Maharashtra’s mandatory Marathi proficiency rule. Drivers say the requirement and penalties are unfair, particularly for older workers with limited education. The Transport Department has begun checks, giving drivers one month to learn Marathi before possible badge suspension.
Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai began a three-day strike on Monday, August 24, protesting the Maharashtra government's mandatory Marathi proficiency requirement for passenger-vehicle drivers. The protest briefly disrupted traffic on Kandivali Link Road, with drivers saying the enforcement and penalties unfairly target those who have limited formal education or are not fluent in Marathi.
The protest comes days after the Maharashtra Transport Department began checking drivers for a working knowledge of Marathi. Under the enforcement process, drivers who fail to demonstrate adequate practical knowledge are initially given one month to learn the language. Continued non-compliance can lead to suspension of their badges and, subsequently, action to cancel their badges and permits. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik Tightens Marathi Rule for Auto, Taxi Drivers; Licence Action Warned.
Mumbai Autorickshaw Drivers Strike Videos
Why Protesting Drivers Oppose The Marathi Rule
Drivers protesting in Kandivali said they are not opposed to learning Marathi but want more time and a less punitive approach. "We are trying to learn the language; I can reply in broken Marathi," said one of the protesters. "I can read but I am not fluent in conversing. If given time, we can improve."
Another driver said he speaks several languages, including Gujarati, Punjabi and English, but questioned why workers should face penalties for not knowing a particular language.
"In a democratic country, why do we need to scold people to learn a language? If I move to Punjab, will I be required to learn Punjabi to work there? What's the point of a democratic country then?"
Another driver called the requirement an "injustice" and said he was trying to learn Marathi but was struggling to pick it up. He said moving back to his hometown could ultimately become his only option. "At the time of issuing a licence, we should have been told that knowing the Marathi language is mandatory," he added.
Drivers Say They Have Worked In Mumbai For Decades
Several protesters said they have been driving in Mumbai for 40-50 years and already understand and speak some Marathi. They alleged that despite this, they are being harassed and fined during the enforcement drive.
"We are 55-60-year-old. We have never been to school. How can we speak Marathi?" a driver said in an interview with news agency ANI. "Had we been educated, we would have been sitting in an office. We are trying to speak broken Marathi but that is not being considered, we are being penalised instead. Can we pay a fine fo INR 15,000-20,000?"
The concerns are particularly focused on the financial consequences of failing the assessment. Drivers say losing a badge or permit could directly affect their ability to earn a livelihood.
What The Marathi Proficiency Test Includes
The Transport Department's assessment focuses on practical, everyday conversations rather than formal written Marathi.
Officials are asking drivers questions related to situations they commonly encounter while working, including interactions with passengers and at fuel stations. Reports have described the assessment as a 16-question test.
Examples include: "Mala CNG bharayche aahe. Thode thambave lagel" (I need to fill up with CNG, we'll have to stop for a while); "majhi rickshaw/taxi sharing-chi aahe" (my auto/taxi is a shared one); and "meter chalu kele aahe" (have started the meter).
The government has maintained that the requirement is intended to ensure drivers can communicate effectively with passengers and provide convenient public transport.
What Happens If Drivers Fail
The Transport Department began enforcement on August 20, following the completion of a government-backed language training campaign.
Drivers found to lack adequate working knowledge of Marathi are issued a notice giving them one month to learn the language. If they continue to remain non-compliant, their badges can be suspended for three months. Continued refusal can lead to action to permanently cancel the badge and permit.
The department has also directed officials to record assessments on video, particularly as the government tightens implementation of the requirement.
1.65 Lakh Drivers Have Undergone Training
Maharashtra has around 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has said 1.65 lakh drivers underwent Marathi training and received certificates during a 105-day campaign.
The government says the policy is not intended to prevent migrants from working in Maharashtra. Sarnaik has maintained that practical Marathi is necessary for drivers who interact directly with passengers and that the state remains open to people from other parts of India.
The current enforcement also revives an earlier legal dispute over Marathi proficiency requirements for transport operators. The Bombay High Court had struck down a similar requirement for auto-rickshaw permits in 2017, while the state has since moved to enforce the requirement under the amended Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules.
For protesting drivers, however, the immediate concern is the impact of the enforcement on their livelihoods. They are seeking relief from what they describe as punitive action and want greater opportunity to learn the language before facing penalties.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2026 04:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).