2 weeks ago
Maharashtra to Strictly Enforce Marathi Rule for Auto, Taxi Drivers
Maharashtra says auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers must know enough Marathi to communicate in everyday situations.
The government will start checking drivers across the state on August 20, 2026.
Drivers who do not meet the requirement will first get about one month to improve their Marathi.
If they still do not comply, their licence or badge could be suspended for three months.
Continued refusal or failure to learn Marathi could lead to cancellation of their badge, licence, or permit.
New applicants will have their Marathi tested through conversations with RTO officials.
These assessments will be recorded on video.
The government says the plan supports Marathi language and culture.
Some drivers and unions worry that the phrase "working knowledge" is unclear and could be used unfairly.
Maharashtra will begin a statewide Marathi-proficiency enforcement drive for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers on August 20, 2026.
Drivers without a required certificate or practical Marathi skills will initially receive about one month to comply.
Non-compliant drivers could face three-month badge or licence suspensions, followed by possible cancellation of licences, badges, or permits.
RTO officials will assess new applicants through direct conversations, record assessments on video, and investigate alleged fake domicile certificates.
The government says the rule protects Marathi language and culture, while driver representatives warn that unclear standards could enable exploitation and threaten livelihoods.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Transport Department, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, and driver representatives.
- What
- A statewide drive to enforce the requirement that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers possess practical or working knowledge of Marathi.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
- When
- Enforcement begins August 20, 2026; the drive is scheduled to last one month, with a report expected by the end of the following month.
- Why
- The government says the measure promotes, preserves, and nurtures Marathi language and culture while enforcing existing legal provisions.
Drivers and Unions
Maharashtra Government
Meaning of Marathi proficiency
Drivers and Unions
Driver representatives say the term "working knowledge" has not been clearly defined, creating uncertainty and possible opportunities for corruption or financial exploitation.
Maharashtra Government
The government says drivers must hold the required certificate or demonstrate practical Marathi knowledge through assessments conducted under the amended rules.
Effect on livelihoods
Drivers and Unions
Non-Marathi-speaking drivers, including many who came from other parts of India, fear that suspensions or cancellations could threaten their employment.
Maharashtra Government
The government says it does not intend to deprive anyone of employment and will initially give drivers time to learn Marathi.
Purpose and enforcement
Drivers and Unions
Driver groups are concerned that strict action against workers with limited Marathi could be unfair, particularly if the standard remains ambiguous.
Maharashtra Government
The government says Maharashtra welcomes workers from across the country but must uphold Marathi language and culture, and that deliberate refusal to comply will be addressed under the law without another humanitarian extension.
Key facts
- Enforcement start
- August 20, 2026
- Existing rule
- Practical Marathi knowledge has been required for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra since 1989.
- Initial compliance period
- About one month, also described as a 30-day notice period.
- Potential penalties
- Up to three-month suspension of a licence or badge, followed by possible cancellation of the licence, badge, or operating permit.
- Language campaign
- A 105-day programme helped approximately 1.65 lakh drivers learn Marathi and receive certificates; reports give the figure as 1,65,600 or 1,65,601.
- Permits and badges issued
- Approximately 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges have been issued across Maharashtra.
- New-applicant checks
- RTO officials will use direct conversations and video-recorded assessments before issuing new badges.
- Domicile investigation
- Officials will examine complaints about fake domicile certificates, including physical verification and police inquiries where required.
Quotes
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik
Minister of Transport for Maharashtra
“"It is the duty of the Transport Department to take action within the legal framework against drivers who refuse to learn or speak Marathi. Such drivers will now face action as per the law without being given any additional grace period on humanitarian grounds," he said.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Since 1989, practical knowledge of Marathi has been required to drive auto‑rickshaws and taxis in the state. In accordance with the legal provisions made on August 12, 2026, this rule will now be strictly enforced.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Maharashtra Marathi Rule For Auto, Taxi Drivers To Be Enforced From August 20; Badge Suspension For Non-Compliance
Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow
Maharashtra: Marathi Proficiency Drive For Auto-Rickshaw, Taxi Drivers To Begin From August 20; Licences May Be Suspended If Failed To Meet Requirements
Marathi Rule For Auto, Taxi Drivers To Be Strictly Enforced From August 20
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