Maharashtra Offers Auto, Taxi Drivers One-Month Window to Learn Marathi
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Tuesday that autorickshaw and taxi drivers in the state who do not meet the mandatory Marathi language requirement will be given an opportunity to learn the language before authorities initiate punitive action.
Speaking in Mumbai, Sarnaik clarified the state government's position following concerns raised by driver unions and political leaders. He stated that the objective behind the amended motor vehicle rules is to ensure drivers operating passenger transport services have a working knowledge of Marathi, rather than to jeopardize their livelihoods.
The initiative is set to cover nearly six lakh autorickshaw and taxi drivers, particularly those operating across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. According to official data provided by the minister, Maharashtra currently has approximately 9.16 lakh autorickshaws and 61,657 taxis.
Under the amended framework, drivers found lacking the necessary proficiency will first be served a formal notice granting them a one-month window to acquire basic language skills. If a driver fails to comply within that period, their driving authorisation may be suspended for three months, with continued non-compliance potentially leading to revocation. However, Sarnaik emphasized that licences and permits will not be cancelled immediately, pointing to a phased enforcement approach.
The language requirement had previously sparked concerns within the transport sector because a significant proportion of drivers in the state migrate from other parts of the country. Union Minister and Republican Party of India (A) chief Ramdas Athawale had earlier urged the state government to refrain from taking immediate punitive steps, cautioning that abrupt enforcement could trigger disputes and disrupt drivers' earnings.
Sarnaik noted that a Marathi-learning campaign rolled out a few months ago has already drawn 1,65,601 drivers from across Maharashtra. To support the expanded rollout, the Transport Department will coordinate with the state Marathi Language Department and other related agencies to conduct training and assist drivers in meeting the requirement.
