Will Auto, Taxi Drivers Lose Licences for Not Speaking Marathi in Maharashtra? Minister Pratap Sarnaik Explains (Video)
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has warned of strict action against auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers who refuse to speak Marathi before RTO officials after the three-month deadline expired. Around 1.4 lakh non-Marathi-speaking drivers reportedly learned the language. RTO officials will discuss enforcement, while licence action remains possible for continued non-compliance.
As the three-month deadline for Maharashtra's auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi expires, state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has warned that those who refuse to speak the language before Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials will face strict action. The government has made working knowledge of Marathi a requirement for cab and auto-rickshaw drivers, with the August 15 deadline now over.
Pratap Sarnaik said at a press conference that Maharashtra has had a rule since 1989 requiring auto-rickshaw drivers to communicate with passengers in Marathi. He said complaints had emerged that several non-Marathi-speaking drivers were unable to converse in the language, resulting in disputes and, in some cases, police FIRs. “Following these complaints, the government has decided to assess drivers' knowledge of Marathi while issuing permits and licences,” he said. Marathi Mandatory for Cab, Auto Drivers in Maharashtra: New Rule Brings 3-Month License Suspension for Violations.
Marathi Mandatory for Auto, Taxi Drivers in Maharashtra:
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What Does the Marathi Language Rule Require?
Drivers appearing for licence renewals will also be required to take an oral Marathi test. Under the amended Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, authorised drivers of motor cabs fitted with electronic meters must have “working knowledge of the Marathi language”. The requirement also applies to permit holders, who must demonstrate working knowledge of Marathi when renewing a permit.
If a driver is found not to have the required working knowledge, the licensing authority can give the driver time to acquire it. The amended rules provide for suspension of the authorisation for up to three months in cases of non-compliance, followed by possible cancellation in cases of continued non-compliance, subject to the prescribed process and an opportunity for the driver to present their case. Maharashtra Government Mandates Marathi Teaching in Classes 1-10; Non-Compliant Schools Face INR 1 Lakh Fine.
How Many Drivers Learned Marathi?
Sarnaik said the initiative was launched to promote peace and harmony and was undertaken in consultation with auto-rickshaw unions. Drivers were given three months to learn Marathi, while writers and literary personalities across 36 districts participated in the campaign as teachers.
According to the minister, 1.65 lakh auto-rickshaw drivers registered for the programme, while around 1.4 lakh non-Marathi-speaking drivers learned Marathi.
The government has said it does not intend to deprive drivers of their livelihoods. Sarnaik, however, warned that those who had not learned Marathi and adopted an “obstinate” approach would face action. “If anyone refuses to speak Marathi before RTO officials, strict action will definitely be taken,” he said.
What Action Can Drivers Face?
Sarnaik's latest warning comes after the state amended the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules to make working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for relevant cab and auto-rickshaw drivers. The amended rules allow authorities to suspend the authorisation on a licence for up to three months if a driver fails to acquire the required language knowledge after being given an opportunity to comply. Continued non-compliance can lead to cancellation of the authorisation.
The minister had earlier said the government would not extend the August 15 deadline for non-Marathi-speaking taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers to acquire working knowledge of Marathi.
Why Was the Rule Introduced?
Sarnaik said the initiative followed complaints involving communication difficulties between drivers and passengers. He said the government wants drivers providing public transport services in Maharashtra to have basic functional knowledge of Marathi.
The minister also said the government would not deprive anyone of their livelihood but warned that those who had not learned Marathi and adopted an “obstinate” approach would face action. The move has also triggered a political debate. While some leaders have backed the requirement to learn the local language, others have questioned making it compulsory.
A meeting of RTO officials has been scheduled for Wednesday to discuss further enforcement measures in detail. The campaign was launched in the name of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.
The immediate focus is expected to be on how RTO authorities assess drivers' working knowledge of Marathi and how the amended rules are implemented following the expiry of the three-month learning period.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 03:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
