Maharashtra Transport Minister Announces Action After 105-Day Marathi Learning Period

The Maharashtra government will begin enforcement of its Marathi language proficiency requirement for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers after a 105-day period provided for non-Marathi-speaking drivers to acquire basic language skills ended on August 15. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Monday that drivers who do not demonstrate functional knowledge of Marathi could face action affecting their driving licences. Enforcement is scheduled to begin from August 18.

Sarnaik said a law requiring drivers operating in Maharashtra to possess working knowledge of Marathi has existed since 1989 but was not regularly enforced. He said the government decided to implement the requirement after discussions with auto and taxi unions and other stakeholders. Following requests from unions for additional preparation time, drivers were given 105 days, from May 1 to August 15, to learn the basic language skills required for their daily work.

The Transport Department worked with Marathi literary organisations, including the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, to develop learning material specifically for drivers. Experts prepared a four-page booklet containing around 18 to 20 commonly used sentences relevant to transport operations. The Marathi Language Department provided a Rs 1 crore grant to the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh for the training initiative after the Transport Department did not have a dedicated budget for language instruction.

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According to Sarnaik, more than 11 lakh drivers across Maharashtra underwent training through 160 operational branches supported by around 1,600 instructors. Drivers who successfully completed the programme will receive certificates verified through QR codes. The government has sought to provide a structured system for demonstrating language proficiency before moving to enforcement measures against drivers who remain unable to meet the requirement.

Drivers found lacking basic Marathi proficiency during checks will initially receive a notice providing a further one-month period to acquire the required skills. If they demonstrate proficiency within that period, their licence will remain valid. However, failure to meet the requirement after the additional notice period will result in a three-month suspension of the driving licence, according to the Transport Minister.

Sarnaik further stated that continued non-compliance after the suspension period could lead to permanent cancellation of the licence. Marathi proficiency checks will also be incorporated into routine licence renewal procedures, according to the minister. Rejecting allegations that the enforcement drive is politically motivated, Sarnaik maintained that the government would proceed with the planned action and begin enforcement from August 18.

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