Autorickshaw and taxi unions in Maharashtra have welcomed the state government's decision to give drivers an additional year to acquire working knowledge of Marathi, saying the extension has removed the immediate threat to their livelihoods.

Government extends deadline for drivers

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the one-year extension after a delegation of taxi and autorickshaw representatives met him at Sahyadri Guest House on Thursday. The decision puts on hold immediate action against drivers who do not have the required knowledge of Marathi and gives them more time to learn the language.