Maharashtra Government Delays Mandatory Marathi Requirement for Auto and Taxi Drivers

The Maharashtra government has decided to delay the implementation of a mandatory Marathi language requirement for auto and taxi drivers by six months. This decision follows protests against the original mandate, which was set to take effect on May 1. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had previously announced that all drivers should be able to communicate in Marathi to enhance passenger experiences. However, various driver unions have voiced their opposition, calling for an extension of the deadline to at least one year. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about language requirements in the state's transportation sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 14:55 IST

Maharashtra Government's Decision

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra government announced on Monday that it would postpone the requirement for auto and taxi drivers to learn Marathi for six months. Despite this delay, the government confirmed that the verification of drivers will continue. This decision comes amid protests against the mandate and demands to extend the deadline for making Marathi compulsory until May 1.

What Was the Government's Order?

Earlier this month, Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik declared that from May 1, it would be mandatory for auto drivers to speak Marathi. He mentioned that all 59 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Maharashtra would launch a special campaign to enforce this rule. Speaking to reporters, the minister emphasized that anyone conducting business in Maharashtra should be able to communicate in Marathi. He stated, "We aim to foster a sense of belonging to the Marathi language among drivers, rather than it being merely an administrative directive." He also noted that despite a decision made in 2019, there have been numerous complaints about its inadequate implementation, leading to difficulties for passengers when drivers from outside the state cannot converse in Marathi.

Opposition from Unions

However, several unions representing auto and taxi drivers have expressed their objections to the government's decision, even threatening to initiate statewide protests. Leaders like Sanjay Nirupam from Shiv Sena have suggested that while they support the government's initiative, the deadline should be extended from May 1 to at least one year.