Marathi Ekikaran Samiti demands Rollback Of Marathi-Learning Extension For Cab, Auto Drivers

Mumbai: The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti vehemently opposed the Maharashtra government's allowance for taxi, auto-rickshaw, and app-based cab drivers to have an extra year to learn Marathi, demanding the extension be revoked immediately. Thousands of the group's supporters, including members from Mumbai, suburbs, Vasai-Virar, Thane, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, and neighboring regions, rallied at Hutatma Chowk to honor the 107 martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement and voice their discontent with the government's decision.

The Samiti argued that granting the extension was an unnecessary concession that jeopardized Marathi-speaking residents' sentiments and Maharashtra's cultural and historical identity. Samiti president Govardhan Deshmukh emphasized that the government should adopt a strictly time-bound approach to implementing Marathi language requirements, stating that no "unnecessary relaxation" should be granted.

The organization vowed to continue its campaign through democratic and constitutional means, planning to present a memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde within two days, seeking the immediate withdrawal of the extension. They also threatened to explore legal avenues if the government's response did not meet their expectations.