Maharashtra: RTO Begins Marathi Proficiency Checks for Taxi, Autorickshaw Drivers; One-Month Deadline Given

Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across Maharashtra on Thursday began checking the Marathi language proficiency of taxi and autorickshaw drivers as part of a state-wide enforcement drive. Drivers found unable to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of Marathi are being issued notices and given one month to improve their language skills, India Today reported.

15-Question Oral Assessment

The assessment focuses on practical communication rather than a conventional written examination. RTO officials are using a 15-question paper containing basic situations that drivers may encounter while interacting with passengers. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik Tightens Marathi Rule for Auto, Taxi Drivers; Licence Action Warned.

Questions include asking a commuter in Marathi whether they want to travel to a particular destination and explaining in Marathi how long the journey is expected to take. The interactions are being conducted orally and the assessment process is being video-recorded. RTO officials said the requirement is aimed at ensuring that public transport drivers can communicate with passengers in Marathi during routine journeys.

Drivers Given Time to Learn Marathi

Drivers who fail the assessment are not being penalised immediately. Officials are issuing notices giving them about one month to acquire the required working knowledge of Marathi. Marathi Language Mandate: Maharashtra Government Launches ‘Practical Marathi’ Drive for Auto-Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers From May 1.

RTO inspector S Sutrave said the requirement follows revised Motor Vehicle Rules under which passenger vehicle drivers are expected to have practical knowledge of Marathi. The department has directed officials to assess proficiency through direct interaction and record the process on video.

Possible Suspension and Cancellation

The enforcement drive carries penalties for drivers who continue to remain non-compliant. According to officials, failure to comply can result in suspension of a driver's badge for three months. Continued refusal to meet the requirement could eventually lead to cancellation of the driver's badge and permit. The state has said the initial notice period is intended to give drivers an opportunity to learn Marathi before stricter action is taken.

1.65 Lakh Drivers Trained

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said around 1.65 lakh drivers had already completed Marathi training and received certificates during a 105-day campaign. The language-training initiative was introduced ahead of the enforcement drive, with the government maintaining that drivers would be given an opportunity to acquire basic Marathi skills rather than face immediate punitive action.

Mixed Response From Drivers

The new enforcement measures have received a mixed response from drivers. Taxi driver Izhar Mohammed, who received a one-month notice, said he already knew basic Marathi and was willing to undergo further training. Other drivers, however, have expressed concerns about being compelled to speak a particular language, saying many already use basic Marathi while working with passengers.

The month-long state-wide drive will determine how effectively the revised requirement is implemented and how many drivers are able to meet the prescribed standard within the notice period.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2026 03:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).