Maharashtra Mandates Marathi for All Licensed Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers
In a significant move, Maharashtra's Cabinet Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced that from May 1, all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers must know Marathi. This initiative aims to enhance communication between drivers and passengers, with a statewide inspection campaign to ensure compliance. Drivers lacking basic Marathi skills risk losing their licenses. The Transport Department has received numerous complaints about drivers' inability to converse in Marathi, particularly in major cities. The minister emphasizes the importance of respecting the local language while conducting business, indicating that strict actions will be taken against officials who violate licensing rules.
Apr 14, 2026, 16:07 IST
Marathi Language Requirement for Drivers
On Tuesday, Cabinet Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that starting May 1, it will be mandatory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra to know Marathi. He stated that a statewide campaign will be launched through the Motor Transport Department to enforce this directive. The minister also warned that drivers lacking basic knowledge of Marathi will face license revocation.
Statewide Inspection Campaign
Mandatory Marathi Knowledge for All Licensed Drivers
On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, the minister emphasized that from May 1, all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers must possess knowledge of Marathi. A statewide inspection campaign will be conducted through the 59 regional and sub-regional offices of the Motor Transport Department to verify whether drivers can read and write in Marathi. Sarnaik noted that while the rule requiring knowledge of the local language for license issuance is already in place, it has been widely ignored.
Complaints Received by the Transport Department
Transport Department Receives Numerous Complaints
He mentioned that the Transport Department has received several complaints, particularly from the Mumbai metropolitan area, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur, regarding drivers being unable or unwilling to communicate with passengers in Marathi.
Importance of Learning the Local Language
Learning the Local Language is Essential
It is the duty of everyone to learn the language of the area where they conduct business. While taking pride in one's mother tongue is important, respecting the state's language while working is equally crucial. The minister stated that this action will not be limited to drivers alone. Strict measures will also be taken against transport officials found guilty of improperly issuing licenses in violation of established rules.