Following days of enforcement and a series of discussions over the requirement for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire basic Marathi language skills, the Maharashtra government has extended the deadline by one year.

 

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai yesterday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government has decided to give autorickshaw and taxi drivers one more year to learn basic Marathi. No action will be taken against them during this period for failing to meet the language requirement.

 

Autorickshaw and taxi unions have welcomed the state government’s decision.

 

Yesterday, a delegation of autorickshaw and taxi drivers’ unions, led by Haji Arfat, met the Chief Minister and expressed its willingness to learn Marathi. The delegation also sought additional time to meet the requirement.