Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Extends Marathi Training Period for Auto, Taxi Drivers
The Maharashtra government wants auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers who do not speak Marathi to learn the language.
Drivers will first get one month to learn it.
They can receive up to three more months if they need extra time.
Their driving badges will not be cancelled while they are training.
However, the law may still allow temporary suspension.
The government says about 165,000 drivers have already taken part in training.
Union leaders said drivers were worried because some training centres had stopped operating after August 15.
The government denied rumours that drivers were being given very large fines for not knowing Marathi.
Maharashtra will give non-Marathi-speaking auto and taxi drivers one month to learn Marathi, with up to three additional months if needed.
Drivers' badges will not be cancelled during training, although legal suspension action may still be taken.
About 1.65 lakh drivers have completed Marathi training under the Transport Department's 105-day programme.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik denied reports of fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, saying no driver had been fined even Rs 500.
Training workshops will continue in Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, Nalasopara, Vasai-Virar and Navi Mumbai.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, and auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers are involved.
- What
- The government is extending the period for non-Marathi-speaking drivers to learn Marathi without automatic badge cancellation.
- When
- The announcement was made on Tuesday; training centres had reportedly been unavailable after August 15.
- Where
- The initiative covers Maharashtra, with workshops continuing in Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, Nalasopara, Vasai-Virar and Navi Mumbai.
- Why
- The government says the programme is intended to provide practical Marathi training while protecting drivers' employment and livelihoods.
Government Position
Driver Concerns
Time to learn Marathi
Government Position
The government says drivers will receive one month initially and up to three additional months when necessary.
Driver Concerns
Union leader Shashank Rao sought three months, saying drivers needed more time and were facing panic over the training arrangements.
Badge enforcement
Government Position
The government says badges will remain valid during training, but drivers who deliberately refuse to learn Marathi after the extended period could have their badges cancelled.
Driver Concerns
Drivers and their representatives were concerned about possible consequences and sought assurances that training would not threaten their livelihoods.
Fines and language controversy
Government Position
Pratap Sarnaik denied reports of large fines and accused some leaders of trying to create a Marathi-Hindi controversy for electoral reasons.
Driver Concerns
Drivers were reportedly anxious because of rumours about fines and because some Marathi training centres were not operating after August 15.
- Initial learning period
- One month
- Possible extension
- Up to three additional months
- Drivers trained
- About 1.65 lakh
- Training programme
- A 105-day programme run by the Transport Department
- Badge policy
- Badges will not be cancelled during the training period
- Reported fines
- Pratap Sarnaik said no driver had been fined even Rs 500 and rejected claims of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 fines
- Training partners
- Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh