Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Offers Marathi Lessons Before Penalising Cab Drivers
Maharashtra wants auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to know basic Marathi.
The government says drivers will get a chance to learn before they are punished.
Nearly six lakh drivers may be included in the learning programme.
Drivers who still do not meet the requirement will first receive a one-month notice.
Their driving authorisation could then be suspended for three months.
It could eventually be revoked if they remain non-compliant.
Some unions and leaders say this could harm drivers who come from other states.
They also worry that unclear rules could lead to disputes or corruption.
More than 1.65 lakh drivers have already joined the learning campaign.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers will receive Marathi lessons before punitive action is considered.
Nearly six lakh drivers, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, are expected to be covered by the initiative.
Drivers found lacking Marathi proficiency will receive a one-month notice, followed by possible three-month suspension and eventual revocation of authorisation.
Union minister Ramdas Athawale and transport unions warned that strict enforcement could cause disputes, threaten livelihoods and encourage corruption.
The campaign reportedly attracted 1,65,601 drivers, while about 1.25 lakh completed functional Marathi training during a 105-day programme.
- Who
- Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, transport unions, Union minister Ramdas Athawale, and state transport officials.
- What
- The Maharashtra government will provide Marathi-learning opportunities before taking action against passenger-vehicle drivers who do not meet the language requirement.
- When
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026, according to one report; the announcement was also described as occurring on Tuesday.
- Where
- Maharashtra, especially the Mumbai Metropolitan Region; reports referenced a press conference in Mumbai and a video from Thane.
- Why
- The government says it wants passenger-service drivers to have a working knowledge of Marathi without immediately threatening their livelihoods.
Government and Rule Supporters
Union Leaders and Critics
Purpose of the requirement
Government and Rule Supporters
The government says drivers providing passenger transport in Maharashtra should have a working knowledge of Marathi, which it links to the state’s language, culture and identity.
Union Leaders and Critics
Critics object to immediate or harsh enforcement, particularly against drivers from other states, saying it could affect their livelihoods and create disputes.
Enforcement approach
Government and Rule Supporters
Sarnaik says licences and permits will not be cancelled immediately; drivers will first receive notice and an opportunity to learn Marathi before action under the rules.
Union Leaders and Critics
Athawale and union leaders say drivers should be given more time and warn that cancellation or strict enforcement could unfairly remove people from work.
Clarity of the rules
Government and Rule Supporters
The Transport Department and Marathi Language Department are expected to develop detailed procedures and longer-term training, while the government continues the initiative.
Union Leaders and Critics
Union leader D. M. Gosavi says the amended rules do not clearly define “working knowledge,” which he argues could encourage corruption and financial exploitation in regional transport offices.
- Drivers covered
- Nearly six lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region
- Language deadline
- One month, or 30 days, after a notice is issued
- Possible penalties
- Three-month suspension of driving authorisation, followed by possible revocation for continued non-compliance
- Campaign registrations
- 1,65,601 drivers
- Completed training
- About 1.25 lakh drivers completed functional Marathi training
- Training campaign
- A 105-day programme launched by the Maharashtra government with local outfits
- Vehicle figures
- Reports cite about 9.16 lakh auto-rickshaws and 61,657 taxis in Maharashtra; one report gives 9,16,884 auto-rickshaw permits and 9,78,541 total valid permits
