Maharashtra extends Marathi learning deadline for taxi and tuk‑tuk drivers

The Maharashtra government has granted taxi and tuk‑tuk drivers an additional year to acquire a working knowledge of Marathi after a recent rule requiring basic conversational ability prompted protests, officials said. Transport authorities began oral tests on 20 August and had initially allowed one month for those who failed to improve before licences could be suspended or cancelled.

Officials said the requirement aims to improve driver‑passenger communication and travel safety. The extension was announced after drivers’ unions raised concerns that migrants who work as drivers, many from Hindi‑speaking states, could lose their livelihoods while still learning the language. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers are expected to continue learning Marathi during the extra year and that further extensions may be available.

Maharashtra has almost 979,000 valid tuk‑tuk and taxi permits, nearly half in the Mumbai metropolitan region, the transport department reported. Around 166,000 drivers have completed the government training and passed an oral test; those who pass receive a certificate to present during inspections.

Drivers described mixed reactions to the extension. Lakhan Pandey, a Mumbai taxi driver, said the extra year eased fears about losing daily income, while Ajay Singh, another driver, noted difficulty fitting formal classes into long working days and said he is trying to learn on the job by listening to Marathi radio and practising with passengers.

Training courses have focused on practical phrases drivers need at work, such as asking destinations, explaining fares and giving directions. Munawar Sheikh, a 58‑year‑old tuk‑tuk driver from Thane, completed a four‑day course where he learned 16 common questions and phrases and then took an oral test to receive certification.

Liberal TR News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The extension followed protests from drivers’ unions and statements from state officials; transport authorities started testing on 20 August, the government announced a one‑year grace period, and Pratap Sarnaik indicated further extensions could be considered. Training participation reached about 166,000 drivers who have passed the oral test, while Maharashtra holds roughly 979,000 tuk‑tuk and taxi permits overall.

Quick Look: What You Need to Know

• Maharashtra granted drivers one additional year to learn a working knowledge of Marathi after testing began on 20 August.
• Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers should use the year to learn Marathi and that more extensions may be offered.
• Around 166,000 drivers have completed training and passed oral tests; the state has about 979,000 tuk‑tuk and taxi permits.