Marathi Made Mandatory for Auto and Taxi Drivers in Maharashtra from May 1

Maharashtra will mandate Marathi language proficiency for auto and taxi drivers from May 1, with authorities set to verify skills and cancel licences of those failing to meet requirements.

Mumbai | April 15, 2026:
In a significant policy move aimed at promoting regional language use, the Maharashtra government has announced that proficiency in Marathi will be mandatory for all licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across the state from May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has reiterated that drivers must be able to read, write, and speak Marathi, failing which their licences could be cancelled. The directive will be enforced through a statewide verification drive conducted by regional and sub-regional transport offices.

According to officials, the Motor Transport Department will carry out inspections across 59 offices to assess whether drivers possess basic Marathi language skills. Authorities will evaluate the ability of drivers to communicate effectively with passengers in Marathi, as well as their reading and writing proficiency.

The rule, officials clarified, is not new but has been part of existing licensing norms. However, concerns have grown over its lack of enforcement, particularly in major urban centres such as Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nagpur. Complaints have been received from passengers stating that many drivers either cannot communicate in Marathi or avoid using the language altogether.

Sarnaik emphasized that learning and respecting the local language is a fundamental responsibility for anyone living and working in the state. “While it is important to preserve one’s mother tongue, it is equally essential to respect and use the language of the state where one earns a livelihood,” he stated.

The minister further warned that strict action would be taken not only against drivers who fail to comply but also against transport officials found issuing licences in violation of the rules. Such officials could face disciplinary action for negligence or misconduct.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. While some citizen groups have welcomed the move as a step toward strengthening Marathi language usage and improving communication between drivers and passengers, others have raised concerns about its implementation and potential impact on drivers from non-Marathi-speaking backgrounds.

Transport experts note that effective implementation will require a balanced approach, including awareness campaigns and possible language training support for drivers who may need assistance in meeting the requirements.

As the May 1 deadline approaches, the transport department is expected to intensify preparations for the verification drive. The move underscores the government’s focus on linguistic inclusion while also highlighting the challenges of enforcing such policies in a diverse and rapidly urbanizing state like Maharashtra.

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