Maharashtra gives non-Marathi auto, taxi drivers one-year grace period to learn Marathi

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced a one-year grace period for non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire basic Marathi proficiency. Drivers will face no licence or permit cancellations during the period, while unions will organise language classes and provide study materials

Mumbai: In a major relief to non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced a one-year grace period for drivers to acquire basic proficiency in the Marathi language. The decision guarantees that no punitive action will be taken against drivers nor will their permits or licenses be revoked during this extended timeline.

The announcement came after a delegation of auto-rickshaw and taxi unions, led by Haji Arafat, met with the Chief Minister to address concerns over the language mandate. While the delegation affirmed their commitment to learning Marathi, they highlighted the practical challenges faced by drivers of varying age groups in picking up a new language on short notice.

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Addressing the media, CM Fadnavis confirmed the state’s decision to grant the requested timeline. “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,” he said.

“Drivers will not face license cancellations or administrative penalties during the one-year grace period. Transport unions will organise language classes and provide study materials to help non-Marathi drivers gain basic conversational skills,” CM Fadnavis added.

The Chief Minister urged all non-Marathi drivers to proactively utilise this timeframe to learn the local language for smoother day-to-day communication with passengers. The state government’s decision provides significant reprieve to thousands of drivers across the state while ensuring a phased transition toward the language requirement.

The Chief Minister’s announcement comes days after some auto rickshaw drivers protested in Kandivli alleging harassment from native drivers demanding compliance and voiced panic over rumours of steep regional transport office (RTO) fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000.

The demonstration was sparked by the Maharashtra Transport Department’s statewide drive (launched on August 20) enforcing a working knowledge of Marathi for commercial passenger vehicle drivers.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Tuesday that non-Marathi drivers operating auto-rickshaws and taxis in Maharashtra must possess functional Marathi language skills to effectively communicate with passengers.

Under a 105-day special initiative driven by the Transport Department’s social commitment, around 165,800 auto and taxi drivers across the state have received Marathi language training. He added that this initiative will continue moving forward.

Minister Sarnaik noted that the initiative received a overwhelmingly positive response from drivers, who expressed respect for Maharashtra’s identity and culture. Workshops will continue through the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh for drivers yet to complete the training.

A list of training centres across Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, Nalasopara, Vasai-Virar, and Navi Mumbai has been submitted to the respective RTO authorities. Dedicated contact numbers will soon be issued through RTOs to provide information on training centres.

Minister Sarnaik emphasised that while the initiative stems from social commitment, the department remains responsible for taking lawful action against any individuals operating outside legal frameworks or violating department directives. He added that the state plans to continuously run the “Hindutvahridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Campaign” under the Marathi Language Department.

Labour leader Shashank Rao has also agreed to support conducting workshops for drivers keen on learning the Marathi language. Addressing the timeline for learning basic Marathi language, Minister Sarnaik had clarified drivers will receive an initial one-month period.

An additional three months will be provided if required, offering ample opportunity to learn Marathi. While badge suspension remains a legal consequence for non-compliance, no badges will be revoked during this grace period. Action to cancel badges per statutory regulations will only apply to drivers who intentionally refuse to learn the language after the extended timeframe, he said.