Marathi Test Rule: Auto, Taxi Drivers to Face Action From Today

The Maharashtra Transport Department will begin taking action against auto-rickshaw, taxi, Ola and Uber drivers who fail to demonstrate practical knowledge of Marathi. The enforcement follows revised Motor Vehicle Rules requiring passenger vehicle drivers to have basic working knowledge of the state language. Officials will assess the drivers through direct interactions, with the entire process being video-recorded to maintain a record of the evaluation.

Drivers who are found unable to communicate adequately in Marathi will initially receive one month to learn the language and meet the required standard. If they fail to comply within that period, their driver badge can be suspended for three months. Continued refusal or failure to acquire the required language skills could eventually result in action to permanently cancel both the badge and the vehicle permit.

The department has also made it clear that no additional extension will be provided after the stipulated period. For new applicants, Marathi proficiency will be assessed before a permit or badge is issued. Transport officials will directly interact with applicants to determine whether they possess sufficient practical knowledge of Marathi, and the interaction will be recorded on video. A new badge will be issued only after the applicant satisfies the prescribed requirement.

Also Read: Maharashtra Proposes Mandatory Marathi Knowledge For Taxi, Auto Drivers

The language assessment comes as Maharashtra has a large number of commercial passenger vehicles operating across its cities and towns. According to the department, around 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges have been issued across the state. The new enforcement is therefore expected to affect a significant section of drivers, particularly those who may have moved to Maharashtra from other states and are not comfortable communicating in Marathi.

The Transport Department is also investigating complaints involving allegedly fake residence certificates used by some applicants to obtain auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges. Applicants are reportedly required to provide proof of 15 years of residence in Maharashtra, and officials have received complaints about suspected fraudulent documents. Police have been directed to verify such certificates, while Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad has been assigned responsibility for the investigation and asked to submit a report by the end of next month.

The latest measures combine language verification with stricter scrutiny of eligibility documents for commercial passenger vehicle operators. While existing drivers who fail the Marathi assessment will initially receive an opportunity to improve, repeated non-compliance could result in serious action against their badges and permits. The department's decision is aimed at enforcing the revised requirements while also ensuring that new applicants meet the prescribed conditions before being allowed to operate passenger vehicles in Maharashtra.

Also Read: Mumbai Auto-Taxi Drivers Face Action Over Marathi Language Requirement