Beginning May 1, which coincides with Maharashtra Day, the ability to read, write, and speak Marathi will become a mandatory requirement for all licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, as announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday. He cautioned that drivers who do not meet this linguistic criterion may face the revocation of their licenses.
“Effective from May 1, proficiency in Marathi will be essential for all drivers. Those lacking the ability to read and write the language risk having their permits canceled,” Sarnaik stated. The state government plans to implement a comprehensive verification initiative to uphold this regulation, which will involve assessments at 59 regional transport offices (RTOs) and deputy RTOs, where drivers will be evaluated on their Marathi language skills. Additionally, on-site inspections will be conducted, and drivers who do not pass these assessments could lose their operating permits.
Inspections will include random checks and special camps in areas with reported issues regarding drivers’ inability to communicate in Marathi. Regions such as Mira-Bhayandar and Malegaon will be part of these checks, where preliminary trials have already taken place. Authorities aim to complete this initiative within one to two months.
Sarnaik noted that while the requirement has been in place, it has not been enforced rigorously. “We have received numerous complaints indicating that drivers in cities like Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nagpur are unable to speak Marathi or tend to avoid using the language,” he remarked. He emphasized that understanding the local language is a fundamental expectation, asserting, “If you are employed in a state, you should be familiar with its language. It reflects respect for that region.”
The transport department clarified that this requirement is not new. As per Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989, drivers must possess a basic knowledge of Marathi and local routes prior to being granted a license and badge for public service vehicle operation. Officials indicated that the current initiative seeks to reinforce an existing regulation rather than introduce a new one.
The minister also admonished transport officials, declaring that disciplinary action would be taken against those who issue licenses without adhering to established regulations.
This announcement has sparked apprehension among driver associations, with many expressing concerns that the mandate could adversely impact migrant workers. An auto permit holder based in Mumbai mentioned that many drivers hail from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and this initiative may jeopardize their livelihoods.
Drivers statewide have criticized the enforcement measures as excessive and unwarranted. “The RTO should have assessed drivers’ proficiency in Marathi when licenses were originally issued,” stated Dipak Patil, secretary of the Mumbai Taxi Chalak Malak Sena.
Patil further pointed out that many auto rickshaw and cab drivers are in their late 40s to 60s and lack formal education. “Numerous individuals have not attended school in years, making it even more challenging for them to learn,” he suggested, advocating for RTOs to conduct educational campaigns and workshops.
In 2017, the Bombay High Court annulled a similar directive from the state requiring Marathi proficiency for auto rickshaw permit applicants. The court clarified that the regulation applies exclusively to public service vehicles, while auto rickshaws, categorized under motor cabs, are generally exempt from such rules.
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