Indian state gives taxi and tuk-tuk drivers a year to learn local language

What the report says

Authorities in Maharashtra, the western Indian state that includes Mumbai, have given taxi and tuk-tuk drivers an extra year to learn Marathi, after an earlier enforcement push triggered protests from drivers and unions. The language requirement applies to drivers’ basic spoken communication with passengers and is meant, according to the state government, to improve service and safety.

The rule began being tested on August 20, with drivers who could not hold simple Marathi conversations initially told they had a month to comply or face possible suspension or cancellation of their licences. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later said the deadline would be extended by one year, with transport minister Pratap Sarnaik saying there would be no further extensions. Officials say drivers are expected to gain working knowledge rather than full fluency, and do not need to read or write the language.

The state has also arranged training sessions covering common phrases used in fares, directions and passenger exchanges. According to the transport department, about 166,000 drivers have completed the classes and passed an oral test. The article says Maharashtra has nearly 979,000 valid tuk-tuk and taxi permits, almost half in the Mumbai region.

The issue has broader political resonance in Maharashtra, where language, migration and employment have long been sensitive topics. Many drivers are migrants from other parts of India, and some say they support learning Marathi but need time without losing income. The debate echoes older disputes over Marathi identity and jobs in the state, though the piece also notes that some language advocates see the requirement as reasonable for people who live and work there.