The Maharashtra government has decided to temporarily halt immediate license cancellations for non-compliance by licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers regarding the use of the Marathi language. Starting from May 1, a “Special Permit Inspection Drive” will be conducted until August 15 across all 59 RTO offices to assess drivers and confirm their proficiency. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik made this announcement after a meeting with transport department officials.
While the Marathi language requirement for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra remains compulsory, the approach is shifting towards a more structured, training-oriented implementation starting May 1st, Maharashtra Day. Despite requests from driver unions for an extension, the state has chosen to stick to the May 1st launch date for the initiative. Minister Sarnaik emphasized that the focus will now be on adherence and training rather than immediate permit cancellations due to language barriers alone.
Minister Sarnaik stressed the importance of speaking Marathi as it is the state language. During this phase, permits will not be revoked solely based on language issues, but the campaign will continue. The state will provide resources for drivers to learn the language, including dedicated spaces within RTO offices for Marathi lessons and ‘Marathi for Auto-rickshaw Drivers’ guidebooks developed by the government in 2020.
The objective is to identify non-Marathi speakers and guide them towards training instead of abruptly affecting their livelihoods. The state is offering various tools such as booklets and a simplified curriculum focusing on essential phrases for public transport to aid in this transition. Major unions have agreed to cooperate by hosting training sessions at their facilities or rented halls to support this language initiative.
To enforce the Marathi mandate, a draft amendment to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, is being prepared. Functional Marathi skills will be a prerequisite for permit and license renewals for motor cabs, covering both traditional vehicles and app-based aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Minister Sarnaik warned that RTO officials issuing licenses without verifying language skills will face disciplinary action.
Following the minister’s announcement, the planned May 4 strike by non-Marathi driver unions has been called off. Minister Sarnaik emphasized that while there is flexibility in the timeline, strict enforcement remains the ultimate goal. After the August 15 survey, the RTO intends to rigorously enforce the law against those who have not made efforts to attain basic proficiency.
