Mumbai, April 14 (NationPress) Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik declared on Tuesday that starting May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, it will be a requirement for licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers to possess proficiency in Marathi.

To ensure compliance, a license verification initiative will be executed across 59 regional and sub-regional offices of the Motor Transport Department, where it will be confirmed whether the drivers can read and write in Marathi.

He further noted that drivers lacking Marathi skills will have their licenses revoked.

Minister Sarnaik emphasized that the Motor Transport Department had previously mandated knowledge of the local language, particularly Marathi, when issuing licenses.

Nevertheless, in metropolitan areas such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur, numerous licensed drivers struggle to communicate with passengers in Marathi, with some even refusing to engage in the language. A significant number of complaints have been reported.

He remarked that it is imperative for individuals to learn the language of their locality for business purposes.

Moreover, while pride in one’s mother tongue is crucial, respecting the language of the state during business operations in another state is equally significant.

“Thus, starting May 1, it will be obligatory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers to demonstrate their ability to read and write in Marathi. Licenses will be revoked for non-compliance. Furthermore, stringent actions will be enforced against transport officials who disregard these regulations and issue licenses improperly,” the minister warned.

According to sources within the transport department, the new enforcement initiative will leave little room for leniency. For drivers, failing to read or write in Marathi will result in immediate license cancellation.

Officials from the Regional Transport Office found negligent in their duties or issuing licenses without verifying language proficiency will face strict disciplinary measures.

The topic of Marathi language proficiency among public transport drivers has been a persistent issue in Maharashtra's political and social discussions for more than a decade.

In 2016, the Maharashtra government implemented a similar directive requiring new auto-rickshaw permit applicants to possess a functional understanding of Marathi, which led to legal disputes over potential discrimination against migrants.

As per the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, the state holds the authority to establish conditions for permit issuance.

Language competence is often framed as a necessity for “public service,” ensuring that drivers can comprehend local signage, engage with local law enforcement, and assist native passengers effectively.

This announcement precedes Maharashtra Day (May 1), a date of cultural importance. By positioning this as an enforcement of “existing rules,” the department aims to enhance public transport communication while addressing longstanding issues raised by local commuters, sources disclosed.