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IN PHOTOS: Maharashtra Marathi Ekikaran Samiti protests government’s one-year extension for language training

Updated On: 30 August, 2026 08:54 PM IST | Divya Nair

Members of the Maharashtra Rajya Marathi Ekikaran Samiti staged a protest at Hutatma Chowk in Mumbai against the state government's decision to extend the deadline for drivers to learn Marathi by one year and sought its withdrawal. PICS/ASHISH RAJE

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Members of the Maharashtra Rajya Marathi Ekikaran Samiti stage a protest at Hutatma Chowk in Mumbai against the state government’s decision to extend the deadline for drivers to learn Marathi by one year.PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Members of the Maharashtra Rajya Marathi Ekikaran Samiti stage a protest at Hutatma Chowk in Mumbai against the state government’s decision to extend the deadline for drivers to learn Marathi by one year.PIC/ASHISH RAJE
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Protesters offered prayers and sought forgiveness from the 107 martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement while raising slogans against the Maharashtra government’s decision and demanding that the one-year extension for drivers to learn Marathi be withdrawn
Protesters offered prayers and sought forgiveness from the 107 martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement while raising slogans against the Maharashtra government’s decision and demanding that the one-year extension for drivers to learn Marathi be withdrawn
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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
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
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The announcement came a day after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde distributed certificates to around 20,000 autorickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai who had completed a Marathi language course
The announcement came a day after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde distributed certificates to around 20,000 autorickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai who had completed a Marathi language course
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The BJP-led Maharashtra government had announced in April that non-Marathi drivers would be required to learn basic Marathi. August 15 had initially been set as the deadline, with Marathi classes organised for drivers
The BJP-led Maharashtra government had announced in April that non-Marathi drivers would be required to learn basic Marathi. August 15 had initially been set as the deadline, with Marathi classes organised for drivers
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On August 20, the transport department issued notices to 1,268 commercial passenger vehicle drivers, mainly autorickshaw and taxi operators, during the first day of statewide checking for Marathi proficiency
On August 20, the transport department issued notices to 1,268 commercial passenger vehicle drivers, mainly autorickshaw and taxi operators, during the first day of statewide checking for Marathi proficiency
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Transport Minister Sarnaik had earlier said drivers who failed the Marathi test would get one month to acquire working knowledge of the language. Failure to do so could have resulted in suspension of their badges for three months
Transport Minister Sarnaik had earlier said drivers who failed the Marathi test would get one month to acquire working knowledge of the language. Failure to do so could have resulted in suspension of their badges for three months
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While autorickshaw and taxi unions in Maharashtra have welcomed the state government's decision, local activists and politicians have slammed the decision.
While autorickshaw and taxi unions in Maharashtra have welcomed the state government's decision, local activists and politicians have slammed the decision. 

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