Maharashtra Auto Strike: 15 Lakh Rickshaw Drivers Plan Statewide Stir From May 4 Against Marathi Proficiency Rule

The main union for autorickshaw drivers, Mumbai Autorickshaw Men's Union, has announced a statewide strike from May 4 against the Maharashtra government's decision to make Marathi language proficiency mandatory for auto and taxi drivers. 

The auto union warned that the agitation could disrupt services and lead to a shortage of autos on roads. According to the union, about 15 lakh auto drivers across Maharashtra, including 5 lakh in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will take part in daily protests if the government does not withdraw the decision. 

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The auto 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, 2026.

Union Leader Shashank Rao said that while no action was taken against "illegal" bike and taxis, also no Marathi proficiency rule for aggregator cab drivers, auto, and kaali-peeli taxi drivers were being wrongly targeted. 

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Union leader warned that if the Maharashtra government ignore the plea, they will protest outside the railway stations, bus depots and other auto stands from May 4 and this will continue daily until the government heeds their demands.

Marathi Proficiency Rule

From May 1, 2026, autorickshaw and taxi drivers in the state 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. Minister Sarnaik has said those failing to meet the requirement could face licence cancellation.

The announcement has triggered widespread protest from opposition parties and unions, which maintain that existing drivers are being unfairly singled out.