Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Faces Marathi Testing Dilemma For Passenger Drivers
Maharashtra says commercial passenger vehicle drivers must know practical Marathi.
The rule applies to drivers of autos and taxis.
The government ran a 105-day campaign to help drivers learn the language.
More than 1.65 lakh drivers joined the campaign.
However, the state has nearly 9.8 lakh valid permits.
This means more than 8.13 lakh permit holders did not take part.
Officials have not yet decided how these drivers will be tested.
They will discuss the plan at a meeting on Wednesday.
Maharashtra has made practical Marathi knowledge mandatory for commercial passenger vehicle drivers.
A 105-day Learn Marathi campaign trained more than 1.65 lakh drivers.
The state has 9,78,541 valid auto-rickshaw and taxi permits.
More than 8.13 lakh permit holders did not join the language campaign.
Officials will meet on Wednesday with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to decide next steps.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Transport Department, the Marathi Language Department, commercial passenger vehicle drivers, and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
- What
- Practical Marathi knowledge has become mandatory for commercial passenger vehicle drivers, but the testing system has not been finalised.
- When
- The revised rules were issued on August 12, 2026; officials are scheduled to meet on Wednesday after August 18.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including Mumbai and other areas covered by the state’s auto-rickshaw and taxi permits.
- Why
- Officials need a way to assess more than 8.13 lakh permit holders who did not join the Marathi learning campaign.
- Rule
- Commercial passenger vehicle drivers must have practical knowledge of Marathi.
- Campaign duration
- 105 days
- Campaign participation
- More than 1.65 lakh drivers
- Total valid permits
- 9,78,541 auto-rickshaw and taxi permits
- Auto permits
- 9,16,884
- Taxi permits
- 61,657
- Non-participants
- More than 8.13 lakh permit holders
- Pending decisions
- Test format, eligibility criteria, testing authority, and implementation mechanism