BackPOLITICS
No mandatory Marathi drive on May 1; focus shifts to learning the language
Mumbai transport minister Pratap Sarnaik met with auto and taxi unions to discuss the government's plan to test Marathi proficiency for drivers ahead of May 1. Unions requested more time to learn Marathi, and Sarnaik pledged no action on May 1 and said a timeline would be decided after discussions with 59 RTOs, with training to be prioritized. Data from Mira-Bhayandar showed a number of drivers lacking Marathi ability, bolstering the case for language training rather than strict enforcement.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights the balancing of public service language requirements with worker concerns and operational impact on Mumbai's public transport. The outcome could shape future enforcement and driver training policies.
Timeline
3 Events
Enforcement data from Mira-Bhayandar presented; representation by Narendra Mehta noted
April 28, 2026
Sarnaik shared enforcement data from Mira-Bhayandar: out of 3,066 permits inspected, 499 drivers were unable to communicate in Marathi, while 2,567 had basic knowledge. He said the data reflect ground reality and support the need for a Marathi-language policy. The enforcement drive was initiated following a representation by Narendra Mehta, BJP MLA from Mira-Bhayandar.
No action on May 1; timeline to be decided after Tuesday meeting
April 28, 2026
Following the meeting, Sarnaik said there would be no action against drivers from May 1 and that he would discuss the matter with his department on Tuesday to respond with a renewed timeline. He also announced a plan to hold a meeting with 59 Regional Transport Offices on Tuesday. Union leader Shashank Rao called the discussion constructive and said the union would participate in driver training efforts.
Monday meeting between transport minister and unions on Marathi-language drive
April 27, 2026
Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik met with auto and taxi unions to discuss the plan to test drivers’ proficiency in Marathi ahead of the May 1 deadline. The unions indicated they did not oppose the aim but asked for more time to help drivers learn the language. Attendees included former MP Sanjay Nirupam, Shashank Sharad Rao (ACMSSKSM), Haji Arafat Shaikh, and other union leaders.