MARATHI LANGUAGE ROW: Mumbai Auto-Taxi Drivers Face Practical Challenges Over Language Directive

The discussion focuses on the practical difficulties faced by Mumbai’s auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers following a government directive related to Marathi language proficiency. Mumbai has around 2.65 lakh registered autos and 1.53 lakh taxis, with a significant share of commercial vehicles reportedly driven by non-Marathi-speaking migrants. Many drivers are older, less educated and fear that failing to speak Marathi could result in heavy fines, creating anxiety about their livelihoods. The debate also questions whether authorities have enough infrastructure to train and certify a large number of drivers within the one-month notice period. While basic conversational Marathi may be manageable, critics argue that enforcing language rules too strictly could become harassment rather than meaningful communication. The issue has also turned political, with opposition parties targeting the Maharashtra government and accusing political groups of using language for regional vote-bank politics. Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party have raised the issue ahead of the 2027 elections, while other parties have largely remained cautious. The key question is whether the government will clarify or modify the directive.