Maharashtra govt to make Marathi mandatory for auto, taxi drivers from May 1
Maharashtra govt to make Marathi mandatory for auto, taxi drivers from May 1
Mumbai, April 29, 2026: The Maharashtra government will implement a rule making Marathi language skills mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers from May 1, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced after a key meeting in Mumbai.
The decision was finalised during a high-level meeting held at Mantralaya, where officials discussed whether to enforce the rule immediately or extend the deadline. The meeting was attended by several senior officials from the transport department.
Sarnaik clarified that while the rule will come into effect from May 1, no driver’s permit will be cancelled immediately for not knowing Marathi. A grace period has been given until August 15, during which drivers will be encouraged to learn and use the language.
He said that during this period, action will only be taken against drivers involved in violations such as illegal operations, missing documents or breaking transport rules. Permit cancellation will apply in such cases, not for lack of Marathi knowledge alone.
The minister added that the government will support drivers by providing facilities at Regional Transport Office centres to help them learn Marathi.
He also made it clear that anyone working in Maharashtra will be expected to learn the local language. After August 15, authorities will begin stricter enforcement, though details of penalties have not yet been specified.
