Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Tests Auto Drivers’ Marathi Skills, Issues Notices
Maharashtra is checking whether auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers can use basic Marathi with passengers.
The checks began on August 20 and are being conducted by RTO officials.
Drivers answer questions about everyday situations, such as starting the meter, explaining routes and discussing fares.
Officials said many drivers were tested and thousands received notices after not meeting the required standard.
Some drivers stayed home because they were worried about penalties.
Drivers who receive notices have one month to improve their Marathi.
Their badges could be suspended for three months if they fail a later check.
Some critics say the test does not clearly explain what level of Marathi is enough.
A video claiming drivers were fleeing Mumbai was later identified by Central Railway as old footage unrelated to the drive.
RTO teams tested thousands of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers on practical Marathi communication during a statewide drive beginning August 20.
Officials reported issuing 1,499 notices on the drive’s second day, while 1,268 drivers received notices on the first day.
The 16-question assessment covers destinations, directions, fares, meters, routes, stands, payment and basic passenger communication.
Some drivers stayed off the roads because they feared notices, licence or badge suspensions, while others sought Marathi classes or study materials.
Driver-union leaders and retired RTO officials questioned the lack of a clear, standardised definition of “working knowledge” of Marathi.
- Who
- Regional Transport Office officials, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, driver representatives and retired RTO officials.
- What
- A statewide assessment of commercial passenger-vehicle drivers’ practical Marathi skills, followed by notices to drivers judged insufficiently proficient.
- When
- The drive began Thursday, August 20, and is scheduled to continue until September 30.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and RTO offices during permit or vehicle-fitness processes.
- Why
- To enforce the state requirement that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers possess working knowledge of Marathi.
Government and RTO Position
Drivers and Critics’ Concerns
Purpose of the testing
Government and RTO Position
Officials say the checks are intended to verify basic Marathi communication so drivers can communicate effectively with passengers, not to require formal fluency.
Drivers and Critics’ Concerns
Some non-Marathi-speaking drivers fear the checks could lead to notices and eventual suspension of their licences or badges.
Definition of proficiency
Government and RTO Position
The state says practical questions about destinations, fares, meters, routes and passenger interactions establish whether a driver has working knowledge of Marathi.
Drivers and Critics’ Concerns
Some driver-union leaders and retired RTO officials say “working knowledge” lacks a clear definition and standardised benchmark, allowing arbitrary assessments.
Effect on drivers
Government and RTO Position
The government has provided Marathi training and gives drivers receiving notices one month to acquire basic skills before subsequent checks.
Drivers and Critics’ Concerns
Drivers reported difficulty finding places in training classes, possible private-tutoring costs and reduced vehicle activity because colleagues stayed home.
- Testing authority
- Regional Transport Office teams and flying squads
- Assessment format
- A 16-question test based on everyday passenger situations
- First-day figures
- 8,217 drivers tested and 1,268 notices issued
- Second-day figures
- 5,299 drivers tested outside the MMR and 3,482 in the MMR; 1,499 notices were reported
- Enforcement period
- August 20 through September 30
- Possible penalty
- A driver’s badge may be suspended for three months after failing a subsequent check
- Earlier training campaign
- 1.65 lakh drivers reportedly completed Marathi training and received certificates
- Viral-video clarification
- Central Railway said footage of an autorickshaw being loaded onto a train was old and unrelated to the language drive
