Xtreme News India 27-08-2026 19:15:12 354095224
Maharashtra extends Marathi deadline for auto-cab drivers by a year amid protests Mumbai (Special correspondent) - The Chief Minister said representatives of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers' organisations had met him and sought an additional year for drivers to learn Marathi. Accepting their demand, the government decided to give them the extension. India Today Reported this news today. Non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra have got a one-year breather to learn conversational Marathi, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis putting a proposed licence and permit cancellation rule on hold. The decision comes a few days after Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had announced that licences and permits of drivers who could not speak Marathi could be cancelled. Fadnavis has now granted drivers an additional year, saying no action would be taken against them over the language requirement during this period. The Chief Minister said representatives of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers’ organisations had met him and sought an additional year for drivers to learn Marathi. Accepting their demand, the government decided to give them the extension. The move comes amid growing political heat over the enforcement of Marathi language requirements in the state, with the government’s decision on permits and licences drawing criticism and protests.
