Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday announced that auto‑rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra will now be strictly required to know basic conversational Marathi, with non‑compliance leading to the suspension or cancellation of their badges and permits.
Minister Sarnaik told reporters that the enforcement drive, beginning August 20, builds on existing regulations established in 1989 and legal provisions updated on August 12, 2026. Drivers found lacking basic Marathi skills will first receive a one‑month notice to learn the language. Failure to do so will lead to a three‑month badge suspension. Persistent refusal to learn Marathi will result in the total cancellation of both the driver’s badge and operating permit.
He said that while Maharashtra has always welcomed people from across the country for employment, respecting the state’s language and culture is paramount. The move follows Marathi being granted classical language status.
He added that no additional humanitarian extensions will be granted to drivers who refuse to speak Marathi, and action will strictly follow the legal framework.
Transport authorities (RTO) will now inspect and video‑record live interactions with new applicants to verify their practical knowledge of Marathi before issuing new badges or licences. Over 9,65,000 permits have been issued in the state to date, the minister said.
He further added that RTO officials have been instructed to rigorously verify domicile certificates following reports of fraudulent documents being used to obtain permits. Authorities and local police will cross‑verify whether applicants have genuinely resided in Maharashtra for the mandatory 15 years.
Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad has been appointed to head the enforcement drive and is set to submit an operational report by the end of next month.
Alongside strict language enforcement, Minister Sarnaik highlighted welfare initiatives under the Anand Dighe Corporation for auto‑rickshaw and taxi drivers. With over 37,000 registered members, the corporation has allocated Rs 57 crore for driver welfare. Benefits include student schemes, a Rs 10,000 grant for drivers upon reaching 65, and financial assistance for critical medical treatments.
The announcement follows the completion of the 105‑day ‘Hindutvahridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Bhasha Abhiyan,’ organised by the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.
Around 1,65,600 non‑Marathi drivers completed Marathi language training through this initiative. They were awarded certificates at an event in Thane attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister Uday Samant.
–IANS
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