Amid the intensifying Marathi language debate, the Maharashtra government has announced a strict new enforcement drive that will make Marathi language proficiency mandatory for all taxi and auto drivers from May 1, with officials warning that licences could be cancelled for those who fail to comply.
The announcement was made by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who said the state transport department is rolling out a structured programme to help drivers learn Marathi while simultaneously launching inspections across the state to verify compliance.
The move is expected to significantly impact thousands of taxi and auto drivers, especially in urban centres where migrant drivers form a large part of the workforce.
Government To Provide Marathi Learning Material To Drivers
To support implementation of the policy, the transport department will provide books and pamphlets designed to help taxi and auto drivers learn basic Marathi.
According to the minister, drivers who complete the learning process will receive an official certificate, which will be mandatory during licence registration and permit renewal at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
Statewide Inspection Drive To Begin Through 59 RTO Offices
The Maharashtra government has also announced a statewide verification drive, which will be conducted through 59 regional and sub-regional RTO offices.
These inspections will specifically check whether taxi and auto drivers are capable of basic communication in Marathi, in line with the new mandate.
Officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the rule, marking one of the strongest language compliance measures introduced in the state’s transport sector in recent years.
Minister Warns Drivers Could Lose Licences
Issuing a strong warning, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers who fail to demonstrate Marathi language proficiency may face cancellation of their operating licences.
He said that from May 1, knowledge of Marathi will become compulsory for all licensed taxi and auto drivers, and non-compliance will invite action.
The warning signals the government’s determination to ensure the policy is implemented without delay despite criticism from opposition parties.
Govt Says Existing Rule Was Being Ignored
According to the transport department, the requirement for drivers to know the local language already existed in regulations but was not being effectively enforced.
The minister said repeated complaints had been received from regions including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur, where passengers reported that many drivers were unable or unwilling to communicate in Marathi.
The government says the renewed enforcement drive is intended to correct this gap and improve service communication for Marathi-speaking passengers.
‘Respect For Marathi Is Essential,’ Says Sarnaik
Defending the decision, Sarnaik said that anyone working in Maharashtra must respect the state’s official language.
He stressed that respecting Marathi is as important as taking pride in one’s own mother tongue, framing the move as both a cultural and administrative necessity.
The minister also warned that transport officials who fail to enforce the rule will face disciplinary action, indicating that the government wants accountability at every level.
Language Enforcement Debate Set To Intensify
The decision is likely to deepen the political debate around language enforcement in Maharashtra, where language identity often becomes a sensitive public issue.
Supporters argue that requiring drivers to know Marathi will improve commuter convenience and strengthen respect for the local language, while critics say the move may unfairly burden migrant workers.
With implementation set to begin from May 1, the new rule is expected to become a major talking point in Maharashtra’s political and social discourse.
