Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 13: The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to make working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for drivers of taxis, autorickshaws and app-based motor cabs fitted with electronic meters, with non-compliance potentially leading to suspension or cancellation of the relevant authorisation on their driving licences.

State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday said there would be no extension of the August 15 deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire functional knowledge of Marathi.

Under the proposed Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, applicants seeking the relevant authorisation would have to possess working knowledge of Marathi in addition to other prescribed qualifications.

According to the draft notification, the requirement would apply to drivers and permit holders of autorickshaws, taxis and app-based motor cabs fitted with electronic meters. The government has said practical knowledge of the local language is necessary for drivers to communicate with passengers and ensure safe and convenient travel.

If a driver is found lacking the required Marathi proficiency, the licensing authority would issue a notice granting one month to acquire the necessary working knowledge.

Failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in suspension of the authorisation on the driver's licence for up to three months. Continued non-compliance could subsequently lead to revocation of the authorisation, although the driver would be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard before such action is taken.

The proposed requirement would also apply when such permits are renewed, with permit holders required to demonstrate the requisite Marathi proficiency to the satisfaction of the competent authority.

Sarnaik said working knowledge of Marathi would help drivers understand passengers and communicate more effectively while providing public transport services in the state.

“Marathi is the language of Maharashtra, and drivers providing public transport services here should have basic functional knowledge of the language. We have given them sufficient time to learn Marathi. From August 15, functional Marathi will be mandatory for taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers in Maharashtra,” he said.

A senior state transport department official said the draft notification had been cleared by the law and judiciary department and was ready for issuance. The final notification is expected to be issued by the home department under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Sarnaik also said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde would present certificates on August 17 to hundreds of autorickshaw drivers who have completed the Marathi training course organised by the government.