NCP expresses dismay over Maharashtra's new auto-rickshaw permit order

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) general secretary Tariq Anwar on Wednesday said that it is very unfortunate and unconstitutional that only Marathi speakers will get auto-rickshaw permits in Mumbai. "I think it's very unfortunate that they have taken this kind of decision. According to our constitutional rights, anyone can go anywhere. And, putting control over a language is very unconstitutional," Anwar said.

Maharashtra's Transport Minister Diwakar Raote, indicated that the same rule is likely to be extended to taxi permits as well in the future. "This will help local youths to get employment," Raote added.

The Motor Vehicles Act says a permit for a taxi or an auto-rickshaw can be given only to those who have lived in the state for 15 years and have a working knowledge of the language. And, the state is banking on these provisions to draw up the new law.