777 Maharashtra Drivers Issued Notices for Lacking Practical Marathi Skills
The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to 777 auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers found lacking practical knowledge of the Marathi language during a statewide inspection drive, officials confirmed. The drive follows a training and assessment initiative where certificates were recently presented at Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane to participating drivers in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Uday Samant, and Padma Shri veteran writer Madhu Mangesh Karnik.
Inspectors examined a total of 5,211 drivers across the state, including 3,942 drivers in Mumbai, since the campaign commenced on August 20, 2026. The inspection was initiated after the August 15 deadline for commercial drivers to acquire mandatory functional Marathi proficiency expired. Drivers who failed the practical assessment have been served notices requiring them to learn the language within a one-month period.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that drivers are being provided adequate time to learn the language, but warned that strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply after the deadline. The statewide inspection drive is scheduled to continue until September 30, 2026.
To execute the drive, the Regional Transport Office deployed marshals to conduct oral tests on roads and at busy transit junctions such as Dahisar Check Naka, Dadar station road, and Andheri station road. Marshals question drivers using everyday commuter phrases, including queries about destinations, starting the meter, travel time, available change, payment methods, and rickshaw stand locations.
The spoken interactions are being recorded on video. According to Minister Sarnaik, new badges will be issued to drivers only after they demonstrate practical knowledge of Marathi. There are currently 9.65 lakh rickshaw and taxi license and badge holders across Maharashtra, with 4,62,387 registered in Mumbai.
Practical Marathi proficiency is mandated under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, implemented through the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The requirement was made compulsory under Rule 4(4), Rule 78, and Rule 85 for permit renewals, and also applies to app-based cab operators using electronic meters. Under Provision 22(3A), drivers who fail to comply risk facing license suspension for up to three months or complete cancellation.
Prior to the enforcement drive, the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh conducted the 105-day Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Campaign, providing functional language training to around 1.65 lakh drivers across the state.
