1 week ago
Maharashtra RTO Enforces Marathi Checks for Auto, Taxi Drivers
Maharashtra officials are checking whether auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers can use Marathi for their work.
The checks also include drivers working for Ola and Uber.
Officials speak directly with drivers and record the checks on video.
Drivers who do not know enough Marathi are being given about 30 days to learn it and get a certificate.
If they still do not comply, their badge may be suspended for three months.
Their badge, licence, or permit could later be cancelled, although reports use different words for the credential involved.
The government says the rule protects Marathi language, identity, and culture and does not aim to harm livelihoods.
Police are also checking whether some drivers used false residence certificates to obtain permits or badges.
Regional Transport Offices across Maharashtra are checking auto-rickshaw, taxi, Ola, and Uber drivers’ practical Marathi knowledge through direct, video-recorded interactions.
The enforcement follows Motor Vehicle Rules notified on August 12; officials say the requirement has existed in Maharashtra since 1989.
Drivers who lack proficiency are being given 30 days to learn Marathi and obtain certification before possible action against their credentials.
Further non-compliance could lead to a three-month badge suspension and eventual cancellation of the badge, licence, or permit, with reports differing on the credential affected.
Authorities are investigating allegedly fake 15-year Maharashtra residence certificates, while transport unions warn that enforcement could cause financial hardship or exploitation.
- Who
- Maharashtra’s Transport Department and Regional Transport Offices, under Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad, are checking auto-rickshaw, taxi, Ola, and Uber drivers.
- What
- A statewide enforcement drive is testing drivers’ practical Marathi knowledge and requiring non-compliant drivers to complete language training and obtain certification.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, including RTOs and vehicle stands in Mumbai, Vasai, Virar, and Nalasopara.
- When
- The drive began on a Thursday and intensified after an August 15 compliance deadline; notices give affected drivers another 30 days, while the rules were notified on August 12.
- Why
- Officials say the action enforces Motor Vehicle Rules and helps preserve Marathi language, Maharashtra’s identity, and culture; authorities are also investigating allegedly false residence certificates.
Government enforcement rationale
Driver and union concerns
Purpose of the requirement
Government enforcement rationale
Officials say practical Marathi knowledge is required under the rules and that enforcement will support Marathi language, Maharashtra’s identity, and culture without targeting livelihoods.
Driver and union concerns
Transport unions warn that strict enforcement could create financial hardship or enable drivers to be exploited, and they have threatened agitation.
Deadline and further opportunity
Government enforcement rationale
The Transport Department says there will be no permanent exemption or further extension, while notices give non-compliant drivers a final 30-day period to complete the requirement.
Driver and union concerns
Some drivers expected the August 15 deadline to be extended, and the additional 30-day notice period has created uncertainty about how final the deadline is.
Credential affected
Government enforcement rationale
Officials and reports agree that non-compliance can affect a driver’s badge and may eventually lead to cancellation of another operating credential.
Driver and union concerns
Reports differ on whether that additional credential is a driving licence or a permit, leaving uncertainty about the exact consequences.
Key facts
- Assessment method
- Direct interaction with drivers, with the process video-recorded
- Legal basis
- Motor Vehicle Rules notified on August 12; officials say the requirement has existed since 1989
- Compliance period
- Drivers lacking proficiency are given about 30 days to learn Marathi and obtain a certificate
- Possible penalties
- Three-month badge suspension followed by possible cancellation of the badge, licence, or permit
- Training completed
- About 1.65 lakh drivers reportedly completed Marathi training and received certificates during a 105-day campaign
- Credentials issued
- About 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges have been issued across Maharashtra
- Certificate investigation
- Police are verifying allegedly fake certificates claiming 15 years of Maharashtra residence; Ravi Gaikwad’s report is due by the end of the following month
Sources
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