Maharashtra Cracks Down on Non-Marathi Drivers; 'Exodus' Video Debunked

Maharashtra's transport department has kicked off a strict enforcement drive, issuing notices to over 2,700 auto and taxi drivers in just two days for failing to demonstrate 'working knowledge' of Marathi. This aggressive push follows amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules on August 12, 2026, making local language proficiency mandatory for commercial passenger vehicle drivers. The move, aimed at improving communication and promoting Marathi culture, has intensified concerns among non-Marathi speaking drivers, even as a viral video claiming their mass exodus to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar was quickly debunked as old and unrelated. The new regulations, which allow for a one-month grace period followed by a three-month license suspension for non-compliance, have sparked a significant political debate. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik firmly defends the policy, citing a long-standing rule from 1989 now being strictly implemented, and highlighting that over 1.65 lakh drivers have already completed Marathi training. However, critics like Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar and Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi argue against forcing language proficiency, warning of potential economic hardship for drivers and a negative impact on Mumbai's crucial transport sector. Unions, including the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximens Union, had earlier sought extensions to the August 15 deadline, pointing to training infrastructure limitations. As the enforcement drive continues until September 30, RTO flying squads are videographing language proficiency tests to ensure transparency, a measure intended to curb corruption allegations from some union leaders. The government remains steadfast, emphasizing passenger convenience and safety, but the coming weeks will reveal the true impact on Maharashtra's vast network of auto and taxi services and whether the affected drivers can adapt or if the political backlash intensifies. This ongoing drive sets a precedent for how linguistic identity can shape economic access in a diverse metropolis.