Mumbaikars pay '3 times' usual fare for autorickshaws as Marathi test kicks in: 'What are we achieving...?'

The Maharashtra government's recent directive mandating Marathi language proficiency for autorickshaw and taxi drivers has ignited significant controversy and practical challenges across Mumbai. This policy, enforced by the Maharashtra Transport Department, has led to RTO teams conducting stringent checks, resulting in show-cause notices for nearly 1,500 non-Marathi-speaking drivers in just two days. The enforcement has not only sparked a three-day strike by drivers but also caused considerable inconvenience and financial burden for daily commuters, who report paying up to three times the usual fare.

Maharashtra Transport Department

The Maharashtra Transport Department's intensified checks are aimed at ensuring that commercial drivers possess basic Marathi communication skills. These inspections are strategically conducted near high-traffic areas like railway stations and shopping malls, targeting a large number of drivers. The immediate consequence has been a significant number of notices issued, specifically 1,499 to non-Marathi-speaking drivers across Maharashtra, as reported by ANI.

This rigorous enforcement has, however, been met with strong resistance from the driver community. Many protesting drivers, particularly older individuals, argue that their lack of formal schooling makes it nearly impossible for them to meet the language requirement. They contend that if they had received an education, they would not be in a profession that now demands a linguistic skill they were never equipped to acquire, highlighting a disconnect between policy and the ground realities of their workforce.

Avantika Ganguly

Musician Avantika Ganguly shared a personal account on Instagram, illustrating the severe impact on commuters. She recounted taking 45 minutes to find an autorickshaw, a journey that typically takes five, and subsequently paying three times the standard fare. Ganguly attributed this disruption directly to the government's language requirement, suggesting that drivers are either avoiding peak hours or refusing long-distance trips to evade RTO checks.

Her criticism extended to questioning the fundamental purpose and efficacy of the rule, stating, "Language is supposed to be a way to communicate. In 2026, what are we achieving by imposing a strict language rule and troubling hardworking people who just want to make an honest living???" Ganguly's remarks underscore a broader public sentiment that views the policy as an unnecessary imposition, diverting attention from more pressing societal issues and creating undue hardship for the working class.

Divya Unni

Former Malayalam actress and classical dancer Divya Unni also voiced strong opposition to the enforcement drive, emphasizing that harassment and heavy fines are counterproductive to language acquisition. She argued that if the objective is truly to promote the Marathi language, then authorities should provide adequate time and resources for drivers to learn it, rather than resorting to punitive measures. Unni highlighted the practical difficulties faced by adults, especially those working long hours in demanding conditions like Mumbai's heat, in learning a new language quickly.

Unni further contextualized the issue within the broader reality of migration and multicultural workplaces, noting that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds routinely work in regions where the local language is not their native tongue. She stressed that while some might pursue formal examinations, everyone deserves sufficient time to acquire a new language without facing abuse or threats to their livelihood. Her perspective advocates for a more empathetic and practical approach to language integration, contrasting sharply with the current enforcement strategy.