SP criticises language policy for drivers, urges Marathi learning support

Sheikh turned his attention to the recent enforcement actions against auto‑rickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai who do not speak Marathi. He questioned the Maharashtra government’s approach, stating that a large number of migrants from other states depend on the city’s transport and service sectors for their livelihood.

“Marathi is a beautiful language, and I respect it,” Sheikh said, adding that he himself can converse in Marathi. However, he argued that forcing language proficiency through license suspensions or other punitive measures is unreasonable.

He called for the state to provide adequate training facilities and sufficient time for non‑Marathi speakers to learn the language, emphasizing that respect for any language must stem from voluntary adoption, not coercion.