Marathi language mandate: Maharashtra launches 'Practical Marathi' drive for drivers from May 1
Synopsis
he stated. He added that drivers are not expected to be language scholars:
Key Takeaways
Drivers aren't required to be scholars; they need 'Practical Marathi' for daily communication like discussing fares, locations, and service.
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday, 28 April 2025, officially paused immediate licence cancellations for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers over non-compliance with the Marathi language mandate, shifting instead to a structured, training-first approach beginning 1 May — Maharashtra Day. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the move after a meeting with senior transport department officials, calling it a pivot from punitive enforcement to practical capacity-building.
What the Drive Entails
From 1 May to 15 August, a Special Permit Inspection Drive will run across all 59 Regional Transport Office (RTO) offices in Maharashtra. The drive will survey drivers and assess language proficiency rather than cancel permits outright. Between 1 August and 15 August, RTO committees will be formed specifically to identify drivers who remain unable to communicate in Marathi and direct them toward training.
Drivers will receive 'Marathi for Auto-rickshaw Drivers' guidebooks — a resource originally developed by the state government in 2020 — along with a simplified curriculum focused on essential phrases for daily public transport interactions. Dedicated spaces within RTO offices will be set aside for language instruction.
What the Minister Said
Minister Sarnaik was unambiguous about the ultimate goal while emphasising the current flexibility.
Point of View
1989. Under the proposed changes, functional Marathi skills will become a prerequisite for the renewal of permits and licences for motor cabs. Notably, the policy explicitly covers not just traditional vehicles but also app-based aggregators including Ola, Uber, and Rapido — bringing platform-economy drivers under the same compliance umbrella.
Major transport unions have agreed to cooperate with the initiative and have committed to hosting training sessions at their own offices or rented halls, supplementing the RTO-based instruction.
Strike Called Off, Deadline Holds
Despite sustained pressure from non-Marathi driver unions demanding a deadline extension, the state held firm on the 1 May launch date. In a significant development, a strike called for 4 May by non-Marathi driver unions was withdrawn following Minister Sarnaik's announcement. The state's message was clear: the timeline is non-negotiable, but the approach during this phase prioritises learning over licence revocation.
What Happens After 15 August
The grace period is explicitly time-bound. After the 15 August survey, the RTO intends to move to strict enforcement against drivers who have made no effort to acquire basic Marathi proficiency. The government has framed this as a final opportunity for drivers to comply voluntarily before penalties resume. How rigorously that post-August enforcement is applied — particularly for app-based platform drivers — will be the true test of the policy's reach.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maharashtra's Marathi language mandate for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers?
Maharashtra has made functional Marathi a mandatory requirement for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, including those working on app-based platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The mandate is being codified through a draft amendment to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making Marathi proficiency a prerequisite for permit and licence renewal.
When does the 'Practical Marathi' drive begin and what does it involve?
The drive begins on 1 May 2025 (Maharashtra Day) and runs until 15 August 2025, covering all 59 RTO offices in Maharashtra. It focuses on surveying drivers, distributing Marathi guidebooks, and providing language training rather than cancelling licences immediately.
Will drivers lose their licences if they don't speak Marathi right now?
No, not during the current phase. The Maharashtra government has paused immediate licence cancellations until after 15 August 2025. Drivers who show no effort to learn Marathi after the August survey, however, will face strict enforcement.
Which transport services are covered under the Marathi language mandate?
The mandate covers all licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra, including those operating through app-based aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. RTO officials who issue licences without verifying language skills will also face disciplinary action.
Why was the May 4 driver strike called off?
The strike called by non-Marathi driver unions for 4 May 2025 was withdrawn after Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that the government would focus on training and compliance rather than punitive licence cancellations during the initial phase of the campaign.
