The Maharashtra government’s decision to make Marathi compulsory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers had triggered a major controversy across the state over the past few days. However, the dispute may now ease after the transport department decided to extend the deadline for drivers to learn the language. Earlier, the government had announced that Marathi would become mandatory for auto-rickshaw drivers in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra from May 1, celebrated as Maharashtra Day. During a high-level meeting attended by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and senior RTO officials, an important decision was taken regarding the implementation of the rule and the timeline for enforcement across the state.
Under the revised plan, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers will now get time between May 1 and August 15 to learn Marathi. The Regional Transport Office officials themselves will take the initiative to help drivers understand and speak the language. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said transport unions had requested an extension, following which the government considered their concerns. He added that a Marathi learning booklet for drivers had already been prepared earlier in 2020. Sarnaik stressed that speaking Marathi is essential because it is the official language of Maharashtra and respecting it is the responsibility of everyone working and doing business within the state’s boundaries and transport sector.
The minister also warned that action would be taken against drivers operating vehicles illegally or violating transport regulations in Maharashtra. Sarnaik stated that from May 1, RTO authorities would begin a statewide awareness and enforcement campaign, although no immediate punitive action would be taken solely over language issues. He said all RTO offices in the state would form committees to monitor drivers who fail to follow rules, drive improperly, or refuse to learn Marathi. According to the minister, if drivers trouble passengers through illegal practices or repeatedly violate regulations, the transport department has the authority to suspend or even cancel their driving licences under existing transport laws and departmental rules.
Pratap Sarnaik further announced that special arrangements would be made at RTO offices for drivers willing to learn Marathi. He said RTO officials themselves would act as teachers during the campaign period and help drivers learn the language in a practical manner. The minister clarified that licences would not be cancelled merely because a driver does not know Marathi, but strict legal action would be taken in cases involving illegal conduct or misconduct. Sarnaik emphasised that the government was prepared to provide sufficient time and support for learning the language, but insisted that anyone wishing to conduct business or operate transport services in Maharashtra must eventually be able to communicate in Marathi properly.
The minister also claimed that many Hindi-speaking drivers and citizens had welcomed the government’s stand, prompting authorities to offer them an opportunity to learn the language rather than immediately imposing penalties. Calling it a “100-day campaign,” Sarnaik said the government would review the situation after August 15 and decide on the next course of action if drivers still fail to learn Marathi. He maintained that no amount of pressure, protests, or shutdown threats would change the government’s position on the issue. Sarnaik concluded by saying the administration is ready to teach Marathi free of cost, and drivers should make use of the opportunity to learn and adapt themselves to Maharashtra’s linguistic and cultural environment.