Maharashtra Transport Minister Announces Marathi Proficiency Drive for Drivers Starting August 20
It potentially discriminates against non-Marathi speakers and restricts their livelihood.
On August 19, 2026, Pratap Sarnaik, Maharashtra Transport Minister, announced a drive starting August 20 to enforce Marathi language proficiency among auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. Notices will be issued first; failure to comply could lead to three-month license suspensions or permanent revocation. Led by Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad, the initiative aims to ensure all drivers have "working knowledge" of Marathi within a month, with video recordings of verification processes. Non-Marathi speaking drivers fear livelihood losses due to ambiguous language requirements.
18 AUG 2026
— NDTV
Maharashtra Enforces Rule: Taxi and Auto Drivers Must Learn Marathi
19 AUG 2026
· THIS STORY — The Hindu
Maharashtra's Transport Minister announced a new initiative to enforce Marathi language proficiency among auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers starting August 20th.
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