Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 14: Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that from May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, it will become mandatory for all licensed taxi and rickshaw drivers to have working knowledge of Marathi.
The directive will be enforced through a statewide inspection drive conducted across 59 regional and sub-regional offices of the Motor Transport Department. During the checks, officials will verify whether drivers are able to read and write Marathi. Those failing to meet the requirement may face cancellation of their driving licences.
According to the minister, the rule is already part of licensing norms, but enforcement has been inconsistent. He noted that despite this requirement, many drivers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar are unable to communicate in Marathi, leading to frequent public complaints.
Sarnaik stated that learning the local language is essential for anyone conducting business in a particular region. He added that while pride in one’s mother tongue is important, respecting and using the state language is equally necessary when working in another state.
The Transport Department has warned that strict action will be taken not only against non-compliant drivers but also against officials who fail to properly verify language proficiency during licence issuance. In such cases, disciplinary measures may be initiated for negligence or irregularities.
Officials indicated that the enforcement drive will allow minimal leniency, with immediate licence suspension for drivers who cannot demonstrate basic Marathi reading and writing skills.
The issue of language proficiency among public transport operators has been debated in Maharashtra for years. A similar rule introduced in 2016 faced legal and political scrutiny over concerns of discrimination against migrant workers.
Under existing provisions of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, the state government is empowered to set conditions for issuing transport permits, including communication requirements for public service efficiency.
Authorities have framed the move as a step to improve passenger communication, ensure smoother interaction with law enforcement, and address long-standing grievances from local commuters ahead of the culturally significant Maharashtra Day celebrations.