Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across Maharashtra who cannot demonstrate basic Marathi proficiency will face structured enforcement action — including licence suspension and eventual cancellation — starting 18 August 2025, Maharashtra State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed on Monday. The announcement marks the close of a 105-day grace period that ran from 1 May to 15 August, during which non-Marathi-speaking drivers were expected to acquire working knowledge of the language.

Background: A 1989 Law Finally Enforced

The requirement for commercial drivers to possess functional Marathi skills is not new — a law mandating driver proficiency in the language has been on the books since 1989, according to Minister Sarnaik. However, enforcement remained largely dormant for decades. 'I took a firm stand that drivers operating in the state must possess working knowledge of Marathi,' Sarnaik said, signalling a deliberate policy shift under the current administration.

The minister noted that initial pushback came from auto and taxi unions. To address concerns, the department held consultations with union leaders and politicians including Haji Arafat Sheikh, Sanjay Nirupam, Kripashankar Singh, and Shashank Rao. Following those discussions, the 105-day preparation window was agreed upon.

Training Infrastructure and Learning Materials

The Transport Department partnered with two prominent literary organisations — the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh — to develop driver-specific learning materials. Literary figures including Ujagare, Leena Mehendale, and Pravin Davne curated a four-page booklet containing 18 to 20 key sentences commonly used in daily transport operations.

Since the Transport Department had no dedicated budget for language training, the Marathi Language Department provided a ₹1 crore grant to the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh to fund the initiative. Training was delivered through 160 operational branches and a network of 1,600 instructors, reaching over 11 lakh drivers across the state. Drivers who completed the programme will receive QR code-verified certificates.

Penalty Framework: Notice, Suspension, Cancellation

For drivers found lacking basic Marathi skills during enforcement checks, the department will follow a phased penalty structure. A driver will first be served a notice granting a one-month grace period to demonstrate proficiency. If the driver passes within that window, the licence remains intact. Failure to comply within one month will trigger a three-month licence suspension.

Continued non-compliance after the suspension period will result in permanent cancellation of the driving licence. Language verification will also be incorporated as a mandatory step during routine licence renewals.

Government's Stand on Political Allegations

Dismissing claims that the drive is politically motivated, Minister Sarnaik acknowledged that certain political figures had attempted to capitalise on the issue or derail the campaign, but maintained that the state government's position is firm. 'Enforcement action will commence as planned from August 18, and we will not back down,' he said. This comes amid broader debates in Maharashtra over language policy and the rights of migrant workers in the state's commercial transport sector.