Story perspectives

Maharashtra extends Marathi test deadline for taxi drivers

9/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave taxi and tuk-tuk drivers an extra year to pass the Marathi test.
The rule, effective 20 August, required a basic Marathi exam for licence renewal.
Drivers who failed would have licences suspended after a one-month grace period.
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said extensions will continue while drivers learn Marathi.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a INR10,000 retirement aid paid to 735 driver-owners.

History

Historical Context

After the 1960 reorganization that created Maharashtra for Marathi speakers, Bal Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena on 19 June 1966 to defend Marathi interests, prompting the state to adopt language rules favoring Marathi in public jobs. That legacy underlies today’s extension of Marathi proficiency tests for driver licences, reinforcing regional language priority in employment.

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Story summary

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave taxi and tuk-tuk drivers an extra year to pass the Marathi test.
The rule, effective 20 August, required a basic Marathi exam for licence renewal.
Drivers who failed would have licences suspended after a one-month grace period.
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said extensions will continue while drivers learn Marathi.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a INR10,000 retirement aid paid to 735 driver-owners.

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