Maharashtra has cancelled planned Hindi language tests for government officers, scheduled for June 28, after strong opposition from MNS and UBT Sena. Minister Uday Samant said the need for the exams will be reviewed, underscoring how political pressure can quickly shift state language policy decisions.
Mumbai’s street tension is rising as the Maharashtra government’s May 1 mandate requires auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi. Even before the deadline, the MNS has started informal roadside Marathi classes for drivers, escalating the debate. Political leaders are divided on whether the language requirement should be strictly implemented, with concerns over enforcement and practical impact.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.