Mumbai: Mumbai Autorickshawmen’s Union, the biggest union of auto drivers, on Monday announced a statewide agitation from May 4 against the Maharashtra govt’s decision to make Marathi proficiency mandatory for auto and taxi drivers, warning that the protest could disrupt services and lead to a shortage of autos on roads.Union leaders said around 15 lakh auto drivers across the state, including nearly 5 lakh in MMR, will participate in daily demonstrations if govt does not withdraw the order. The union plans to submit a memorandum to transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on April 28, seeking cancellation of the decision before it comes into force on May 1. Union leader Shashank Rao said while no action was taken against ‘illegal’ bike taxis and there was no Marathi proficiency rule for aggregator cab drivers, auto and kaali-peeli taxi drivers were being wrongfully targeted. “If govt ignores our plea, we will protest aggressively outside railway stations, bus depots and other auto stands from May 4 and this will continue daily until govt heeds our demands,” he said. From May 1, licensed auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra will have to demonstrate the ability to read and write Marathi as part of a verification drive across 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices. Sarnaik has said those failing to meet the requirement could face licence cancellation. The announcement has triggered sharp opposition from unions, which maintain that existing drivers already met the requirement of having a working knowledge of Marathi while obtaining their badges, and alleged that their drivers are being unfairly singled out. Rao alleged that aggregator cab drivers face no proper verification, permit scrutiny or restrictions, while petrol-run bike taxis are operating illegally despite rules permitting only e-bike services. He said that traditional auto and kaali-peeli taxi drivers, who have paid permit fees, undergone police verification, and complied with domicile and regulatory norms are now being penalised despite operating at fares approved by the RTO and are facing fines for violations. Mumbai Autorickshawmen’s Union also stressed the scale of dependence on the sector. Mumbai currently has around 2.8 lakh autos, while MMR has nearly 5 lakh. Across Maharashtra, around 15 lakh permits have been issued, with the trade supporting an equal number of families.
