Mumbai Auto Union Announces Statewide Protest Over Marathi Language Mandate
The Mumbai Autorickshawmen's Union, the largest union representing auto-rickshaw drivers in the city, has declared a statewide agitation set to commence on May 4. This protest is a direct response to the Maharashtra government's recent decision to make proficiency in the Marathi language mandatory for all auto-rickshaw and traditional taxi drivers across the state.
Union Leaders Issue Warning of Service Disruptions
Union leaders have issued a stern warning that the planned agitation could severely disrupt transportation services, potentially leading to a significant shortage of auto-rickshaws on the roads. They emphasized that if the government does not withdraw the controversial order, approximately 15 lakh auto drivers throughout Maharashtra will participate in daily demonstrations. This includes nearly 5 lakh drivers operating within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Memorandum Submission and Demands
The union has outlined a strategic plan to submit a formal memorandum to Maharashtra's Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, on April 28. Their primary demand is the immediate cancellation of the Marathi proficiency mandate before it is scheduled to come into effect on May 1. Union leader Shashank Rao articulated the union's position, stating that while no action is being taken against what he termed 'illegal' bike taxis, and aggregator cab drivers face no such language requirement, traditional auto and 'kaali-peeli' taxi drivers are being unfairly targeted.
"If the government ignores our plea, we will protest aggressively outside railway stations, bus depots, and other auto stands from May 4," Rao declared. "This will continue daily until the government heeds our demands."
Details of the Government's New Rule
Starting May 1, licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra will be required to demonstrate the ability to read and write Marathi as part of a comprehensive verification drive. This initiative will be conducted across 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices throughout the state. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has clarified that drivers who fail to meet this new language requirement could face the serious consequence of having their licenses cancelled.
Union's Opposition and Allegations of Unfair Treatment
The announcement of this mandate has triggered sharp and widespread opposition from various driver unions. They maintain that existing drivers have already fulfilled the requirement of having a working knowledge of Marathi when they initially obtained their badges and permits. The unions allege that their members are being unfairly singled out by this new regulation.
Shashank Rao further elaborated on the perceived disparities, alleging that aggregator cab drivers are not subjected to proper verification processes, permit scrutiny, or similar restrictions. He also pointed out that petrol-run bike taxis continue to operate illegally, despite existing rules permitting only electric bike services.
Highlighting Compliance and Economic Impact
Rao emphasized that traditional auto and 'kaali-peeli' taxi drivers have consistently complied with regulatory norms. These drivers have paid permit fees, undergone mandatory police verification, and adhered to domicile requirements. He argued that they are now being penalized despite operating at fares approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and facing fines for any violations.
The Mumbai Autorickshawmen's Union also stressed the immense scale of economic dependence on the auto-rickshaw sector. Currently, Mumbai alone has around 2.8 lakh auto-rickshaws, while the broader MMR region has nearly 5 lakh. Across the entire state of Maharashtra, approximately 15 lakh permits have been issued, with the trade supporting an equal number of families who rely on this income for their livelihood.
The union's call for agitation underscores the deep-seated concerns within the driver community regarding the new language mandate, setting the stage for potential widespread transportation disruptions if a resolution is not reached promptly.
