{
  "id": 2471445,
  "title": "Marathi language mandate for cabs, autos is a wrong turn",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/marathi-language-mandate-for-cabs-autos-is-a-wrong-turn",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T01:25:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/marathi-language-mandate-for-cabs-autos-is-a-wrong-turn-10844125/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As public transport in Maharashtra grapples with concerns of affordability and accessibility, a new requirement for Marathi language proficiency among auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers may prove to be an ill-advised and unconstitutional move. This development is part of a broader trend of linguistic politics in the state, marked by contentious debates over the three-language policy in schools, the alleged \"Hindi imposition\" by the Shiv Sena (UBT), and incidents of violence fuelled by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which claims to champion Marathi pride. The state transport department defends the new rule, arguing that drivers must be capable of comprehending essential instructions and communicating with passengers in Marathi, the native language of the region. Despite the Bombay High Court overturning an earlier attempt to make Marathi compulsory for auto-rickshaw licenses nine years ago, the latest initiative raises the same question: Why should linguistic assimilation be a prerequisite for employment? Those who fail to demonstrate functional knowledge of Marathi within a month of receiving a notice risk having their driving licences and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badges suspended for up to three months. Repeated infractions could result in the permanent revocation of their licences under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, which was published on August 12. The language requirement now extends to app-based cab drivers and permit holders. While the policy appears to promote linguistic cohesion, it overlooks what truly keeps Mumbai functioning. Mandating linguistic proficiency and making livelihoods contingent on it effectively places obstacles in the way of migrants whose labour keeps urban economies thriving. In megacities like Mumbai, where transport systems rely on adaptability, scale, and workers' willingness to seize opportunities as they arise, the language mandate seems counterproductive. Perhaps more importantly, it infringes upon the constitutional right to mobility, which entitles citizens to live and work in any part of India and pursue any profession or occupation there. The state now faces a clear choice: to foster inclusive growth while safeguarding constitutional freedoms, or to give in to insular desires that limit opportunities and curtail individual liberties. Maharashtra's language mandate undeniably steers the state in the wrong direction. It must be repealed.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Marathi language proficiency mandated for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra.",
    "Bombay High Court overturned similar rule nine years ago.",
    "Violators risk suspended licences for up to three months under new rules."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}