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IN PHOTOS: Mumbai taxi drivers protest Marathi language mandate as 3-day strike begins

Updated On: 24 August, 2026 08:37 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

Mumbai auto and taxi drivers began a three-day strike on Monday against the Maharashtra government's Marathi language requirement. (PICS/ ASHISH RAJE)

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The strike comes amid a statewide drive by the Maharashtra Transport Department to assess drivers' working knowledge of Marathi. (PICS/ ASHISH RAJE)
The strike comes amid a statewide drive by the Maharashtra Transport Department to assess drivers' working knowledge of Marathi. (PICS/ ASHISH RAJE)
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Maharashtra has around 9.65 lakh autorickshaw and taxi drivers, of whom around 1.65 lakh have completed Marathi training and received certificates, according to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik

Maharashtra has around 9.65 lakh autorickshaw and taxi drivers, of whom around 1.65 lakh have completed Marathi training and received certificates, according to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik

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The Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been conducting checks and issuing notices to drivers who do not have adequate knowledge of Marathi. Drivers are being given one month to learn the language

The Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been conducting checks and issuing notices to drivers who do not have adequate knowledge of Marathi. Drivers are being given one month to learn the language

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Those who fail to comply could have their badges suspended for three months, while continued refusal to learn Marathi could eventually lead to cancellation of both their badges and permits

Those who fail to comply could have their badges suspended for three months, while continued refusal to learn Marathi could eventually lead to cancellation of both their badges and permits

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Amid the protests, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday clarified that the government's requirement is aimed at ensuring drivers can communicate in basic, work-related Marathi rather than making them proficient in the language

Amid the protests, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday clarified that the government's requirement is aimed at ensuring drivers can communicate in basic, work-related Marathi rather than making them proficient in the language

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Fadnavis added that drivers had already been given additional time to acquire the required language skills and said no licence had been cancelled so far.

Fadnavis added that drivers had already been given additional time to acquire the required language skills and said no licence had been cancelled so far.

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