- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to have basic knowledge of Marathi, warning that non-compliance could lead to cancellation of driving licences. According to the announcement made by Cabinet Minister Pratap Sarnaik, this requirement goes into effect on May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day.
"Basic knowledge of Marathi will be mandatory for all licensed auto rickshaw and taxi drivers from May 1, Maharashtra Day."
The Transportation Department will conduct inspections across all 59 of its Regional and Sub-Regional Offices to evaluate whether or not each driver can read and write in the Marathi language, and that those who do not meet this requirement run the risk of losing their Driving Licenses.
Minister Sarnaik indicated that even though there is a rule that states that drivers need to know the local language, it is still not adhered to. The Department of Transportation has received complaints throughout the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur, regarding drivers with no ability or willingness to speak the local language.
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He continued to describe that it is vital for individuals to show pride in their Mother Tongue while at the same time learning the language of the region in which they are working, and that the Transportation Department will take action against anyone found to be guilty of issuing licenses/permits in violation of this requirement through an inspection.