Archive · 17 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Minister Mandates Marathi for Auto Drivers, Targets Potholes
A leader in the Indian state of Maharashtra made a new rule.
Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers must learn to speak Marathi, the local language.
This rule comes from an old law from 1989.
Most drivers have already finished their Marathi lessons.
Drivers who do not learn Marathi could lose their driving licences.
The leader also told workers to fix potholes on the roads quickly.
Potholes are holes in the road that can be dangerous.
He also talked about politics and who should lead the state.
He said unpaid money should be given to builders and workers.
He also asked for more time for people to check their voter lists.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Pratap Sarnaik made practical conversational Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, citing a 1989 state regulation.
Over 1,40,000 of 1,65,000 registered non-Marathi auto drivers completed training under the Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Course Initiative.
Drivers who fail to comply face licence and permit cancellation, though Sarnaik said the state does not intend to affect anyone's livelihood.
Sarnaik ordered authorities to expedite pothole repairs, prioritising high-traffic locations such as State Transport bus depots.
Sarnaik backed Eknath Shinde remaining Chief Minister if the Mahayuti alliance wins and supported extra time for voter roll verification.
- Who
- Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Pratap Sarnaik, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, opposition leaders Sanjay Raut and Jitendra Awhad, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
- What
- A press conference announcing mandatory Marathi for public transport drivers, expedited pothole repairs, and statements on political disputes, contractor dues, and voter roll revision.
- When
- August 16, 2026 (drivers had until August 15 to learn Marathi).
- Where
- Thane, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To enforce a 1989 language regulation, address monsoon-related road damage, and respond to political disputes.
Government / Ruling Alliance
Opposition
Politicising civic infrastructure
Government / Ruling Alliance
Sarnaik dismissed Sanjay Raut's protests in Nashik and urged leaders to avoid politicising civic infrastructure problems.
Opposition
Opposition leader Sanjay Raut protested in Nashik over civic issues.
Chief Minister candidate
Government / Ruling Alliance
Sarnaik reiterated that Eknath Shinde should remain Chief Minister if the Mahayuti alliance secures a majority.
Opposition
NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad expressed discontent, prompting Sarnaik to suggest he would find better political opportunities within the Mahayuti alliance.
- Minister
- Pratap Sarnaik, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister
- Location
- Thane, Maharashtra
- Marathi deadline
- August 15
- Drivers trained
- 1,40,000 of 1,65,000 registered non-Marathi auto drivers
- Training initiative
- Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Course Initiative
- Districts involved
- 36
- Unpaid contractor dues
- ₹86,000 crore
- Legal basis
- 1989 state regulation