Mumbai Autorickshaw Drivers Protest Marathi Language Rule

A sudden protest by non-Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai's Kandivali area on Monday led to a road blockade on Kandivali Link Road, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters. The protest was linked to opposition among some commercial drivers to the Maharashtra government's requirement that autorickshaw and taxi drivers have proficiency in Marathi.

Several autorickshaws were parked on the road, slowing traffic and resulting in long queues. The protest was also marked by allegations that some protesting drivers stopped autorickshaws carrying passengers and asked them to get down, further inconveniencing commuters.

However, major autorickshaw and taxi unions clarified that the shutdown was not officially called by any recognised union. Union representatives said misinformation and rumours circulating on social media appeared to have triggered the protest. A Facebook message claiming that there would be a shutdown on August 24 was reportedly followed by several drivers in some areas.

The protest appeared to be largely driver-led, with no recognised union taking responsibility for the call. Union leaders said autorickshaw and taxi services continued to operate in most parts of Mumbai and its suburbs, although attempts were made to spread the protest to areas such as Kandivali and Malvani.

The unions have sought more time from the government to address concerns over the Marathi language requirement and urged drivers to continue providing services. They also appealed to commuters and drivers not to panic or believe unverified information.

According to Shashank Rao, President of the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen's Union, the protest was not called by any recognised union and was triggered by fear of action and misinformation. The union has sought a three-month extension and requested the government not to take punitive action against drivers during this period.

K K Tiwari, Taxi Union President, said the shutdown appeared to begin after a Facebook message claimed there would be a strike on August 24. Around 80% of auto and Ola-Uber drivers participated in some areas, but union leaders did not support the protest.

Tambi Kurian, General Secretary of the Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union, said no official strike or protest was called by the union and urged drivers and commuters not to panic or believe unverified information.

The protest has caused inconvenience to commuters, with some reporting that their autorickshaws were stopped and they were asked to get down. Suheil Merchant, a Mumbai resident, said his wife's autorickshaw was allegedly stopped during the protest and she was asked to get down.

The Maharashtra government's requirement for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to have proficiency in Marathi has been a point of contention among some drivers. The government has said the move is aimed at promoting the use of Marathi language in the state, but drivers have raised concerns over the practicality of the requirement, particularly for older drivers who may find it difficult to acquire proficiency immediately.

The protest highlights the need for the government to address the concerns of autorickshaw and taxi drivers and to find a solution that balances the need to promote the use of Marathi language with the practical needs of drivers and commuters. The government should engage with the unions and drivers to find a way forward that works for everyone involved.

In the meantime, commuters are advised to check for updates on autorickshaw and taxi services before travelling and to plan their journeys accordingly. The unions have urged drivers to continue providing services and have appealed to commuters not to panic or believe unverified information.

The incident has also highlighted the need for the government to take steps to prevent the spread of misinformation on social media, which can cause unnecessary panic and disruption. The government should work with social media platforms to identify and remove fake messages and to promote verified information.

In conclusion, the protest by autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai's Kandivali area has caused inconvenience to commuters and has highlighted the need for the government to address the concerns of drivers and to find a solution that balances the need to promote the use of Marathi language with the practical needs of drivers and commuters. The government should engage with the unions and drivers to find a way forward that works for everyone involved.