Mumbai, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced a one-year grace period for non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire basic proficiency in Marathi, providing relief amid concerns over the state’s language requirement for commercial passenger vehicle operators.
Fadnavis said no punitive action would be taken against drivers and their permits or licences would not be cancelled during the extended period.
The announcement followed a meeting between the Chief Minister and a delegation of auto-rickshaw and taxi unions led by Haji Arafat. The unions expressed their willingness to learn Marathi but highlighted difficulties faced by drivers of different age groups in acquiring the language within a short period.
“The delegation acknowledged the necessity of knowing basic Marathi and expressed their genuine intent to learn. However, considering the practical difficulties in mastering the language within a short span, they requested additional time. Respecting their request, the state government has granted a one-year extension,” Fadnavis said.
He added that transport unions would organise Marathi language classes and provide study material to help non-Marathi drivers develop basic conversational skills.
The Chief Minister urged drivers to make use of the additional time to learn Marathi and facilitate smoother communication with passengers.
The decision comes days after auto-rickshaw drivers staged a protest in Kandivli, alleging harassment by local drivers over compliance with the language requirement and expressing concern over reports of RTO fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000.
The Maharashtra Transport Department had launched a statewide enforcement drive on August 20 requiring commercial passenger vehicle drivers to have a working knowledge of Marathi.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had said on Tuesday that non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers must possess functional Marathi skills to communicate effectively with passengers.
According to Sarnaik, around 1,65,800 auto and taxi drivers across Maharashtra had received Marathi language training under a 105-day special initiative. The programme will continue for drivers who have yet to complete the training.
Training workshops are being conducted through the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh. Training centres have been identified across Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, Nalasopara, Vasai-Virar and Navi Mumbai, with details being shared with the respective RTOs.
Dedicated contact numbers are also expected to be issued through RTOs to provide information about training centres.
Sarnaik said the initiative had received a positive response from drivers, who expressed respect for Maharashtra’s identity and culture. Labour leader Shashank Rao has also agreed to support workshops for drivers willing to learn Marathi.
The Transport Minister had earlier said drivers would initially get one month to learn basic Marathi, with an additional three months if required. While suspension of a badge remains a statutory consequence for non-compliance, he had clarified that badges would not be revoked during the grace period. Action under the applicable regulations would be taken against drivers who deliberately refused to learn the language after the stipulated extended period.
The state also plans to continue the “Hindutvahridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Campaign” through the Marathi Language Department.
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