Opposition leaders from the NCP-SP and Samajwadi Party have voiced criticism against the BJP-led Maharashtra government’s decision to enforce the speaking of Marathi, particularly for auto rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state. They are concerned that this mandate could result in increased unemployment and are urging the government to provide resources for learning the local language.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik recently announced the state government’s firm stance on the ‘Speak Marathi, Get a Permit’ initiative. He emphasized the necessity for individuals conducting business in Maharashtra to be fully proficient in Marathi, stating that this requirement has been in place since 2019.
Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Rais Shaikh highlighted the significant contributions made by people from North India, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai’s development. He called for measures to assist migrants, especially auto rickshaw and taxi drivers, in learning Marathi to comply with the new regulation.
NCP-SP leader Naseem Siddiqui expressed concerns about the impact of language restrictions on individuals working in the Middle East and Muslim-majority countries. He warned that enforcing similar rules in other regions could create obstacles for Maharashtra residents seeking employment opportunities elsewhere.
Fahad Ahmad, another NCP-SP leader, criticized Minister Sarnaik for what he perceived as a lack of understanding of Maharashtra’s inclusive culture. While acknowledging the importance of Marathi proficiency, Ahmad stressed the need to support individuals who may face challenges due to language requirements, emphasizing the state’s tradition of unity.
