Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has announced a new enforcement rule making it compulsory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state to have knowledge of Marathi from May 1, Maharashtra Day.
The decision was announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who said the rule will apply across major urban and regional transport zones including Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
Licence checks across 59 offices
The Motor Transport Department will conduct a large-scale inspection drive through 59 regional and sub-regional offices. During this campaign, officials will check whether drivers can read and write Marathi as part of licensing conditions.
Authorities have stated that compliance will be strictly monitored, and those failing to meet the requirement could face cancellation of their driving licences.
Officials clarified that the rule is not entirely new, as knowledge of the local language has already been part of the licensing framework. However, enforcement has now been strengthened due to repeated complaints that some drivers are unable to communicate in Marathi with passengers.
The department aims to ensure better communication between drivers, passengers, and local authorities through stricter implementation.
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The government’s reasoning behind the move
The government has argued that knowing the local language is essential for public service operations. Drivers are expected to interact with passengers, understand local directions, and assist in coordination with police and transport authorities when required.
It has also been stated that individuals conducting business in Maharashtra should respect and adapt to the linguistic environment of the state.
Action against drivers and officials
Under the new enforcement plan, failure to read or write Marathi may lead to immediate licence cancellation.
Strict disciplinary action will also be taken against Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials if licences are issued without proper verification or through procedural lapses.
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Background: Long-standing debate over language rules
The issue of Marathi proficiency among public transport drivers has been under discussion in Maharashtra for several years. A similar directive was issued in 2016 for new auto-rickshaw permits, which later faced legal and policy debates over concerns related to migrant workers and discrimination.
Despite criticism, supporters of the rule have consistently argued that local language knowledge is necessary for smoother public communication and safety.
With the new rule set to come into effect from May 1, thousands of drivers across Maharashtra will now be required to meet the language condition to retain their licences. The move is expected to significantly impact licensing checks and compliance systems in the state’s transport sector.
