Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has warned auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers that refusing to learn Marathi could lead to their licences being suspended or cancelled, as the state steps up efforts to promote the language among commercial vehicle operators.
Sarnaik said the government would not tolerate drivers who openly refuse to learn Marathi or post videos challenging the authorities to take action against them. He said drivers who continue to defy the directive would first be given one month’s notice to learn the language.
If they still refuse, their licences will be suspended for three months, Sarnaik said. If they continue to refuse after the suspension period, their licences will be cancelled.
The warning comes after a 105-day campaign launched by the Maharashtra government to encourage taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers to learn Marathi. According to Sarnaik, 1.65 lakh drivers have learned the language and received certificates. The state had given drivers a 100-day window, from May 1 to August 15, to acquire basic knowledge of Marathi.
Sarnaik said people coming to Maharashtra from other states should have access to jobs, stressing that Mumbai has the capacity to accommodate everyone. At the same time, he said the state’s official language, Marathi, should be promoted.
MARATHI TEST FOR DRIVER BADGES
From Wednesday, drivers will also have to demonstrate their ability to speak Marathi while obtaining their badge, which is issued after the driving licence.
The authorities will ask drivers, “Do you know how to speak Marathi?” and the badge will be issued only after their Marathi-speaking ability is verified.
The minister also said random checks would be conducted by the RTO’s Vayuveg squads. These checks will be video-recorded.
“I am working within the ambit of the law. Any kind of threat will not be tolerated,” Sarnaik said.
MAHARASHTRA TO CHECK AUTO, TAXI PERMITS
The Maharashtra Transport Department will also constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine auto-rickshaw and taxi permits.
The Divisional Commissioner will conduct the investigation, and a report will be submitted to the Transport Minister within two months.
The department will specifically examine whether old auto-rickshaw and taxi permits are still valid, adding another layer of scrutiny for commercial vehicle operators in the state.
– Ends
Published On:
Aug 19, 2026 16:26 IST
