Maharashtra Mandates Marathi for Commercial Drivers With Penalties
The Maharashtra government has amended state motor vehicle rules to mandate Marathi language proficiency for commercial passenger vehicle drivers, introducing suspensions of up to three months for non-compliance. As part of the initiative, drivers who have completed basic Marathi training are set to be felicitated at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane on August 17.
Under the newly amended Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, drivers operating auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs fitted with electronic meters must possess a working knowledge of Marathi. The requirement has also been extended to permit holders and new applicants seeking driving authorisations ahead of an August 15 compliance deadline.
Under Rule 22(3A), licensing authorities can initiate action against app-based cab drivers who fail to demonstrate practical Marathi knowledge after recording reasons in writing. Authorities are empowered to suspend the relevant driving authorisation for up to three months, while repeat violations could lead to full cancellation of the authorisation or badge.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the amendments were introduced to eliminate ambiguities in the existing framework that had allowed some drivers to evade language requirements. Revisions to Rule 4 of the 1989 rules make Marathi knowledge a mandatory qualification at the application stage, while amendments to Rules 78 and 85 require permit holders to maintain proficiency for permit renewals.
According to Marathi Commission chairman Ravi Gaikwad, more than 1.1 lakh non-Marathi-speaking auto and taxi drivers across Maharashtra have completed functional Marathi language training so far. The transport department has urged all remaining commercial passenger vehicle drivers to complete the training programme before August 15.
Regional Transport Office squads will begin identifying and penalising drivers who cannot speak basic Marathi from August 17. On the same day, thousands of drivers who completed the course will receive certificates from the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad at the event in Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant are expected to attend.
