Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has urged non-Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers to use the current relaxation period to learn Marathi.

Sarnaik said drivers should not ignore the language requirement just because the mandatory rule has been put on hold. He encouraged them to start learning Marathi now and make use of government-supported resources.

Marathi Rule Stayed Till August 18, 2027

The Maharashtra government has kept the mandate requiring drivers to have a working knowledge of Marathi on hold until August 18, 2027.

Sarnaik appealed to non-Marathi drivers to use this time to become comfortable with the language instead of waiting until the rule comes into effect again.

He also urged drivers to join the second phase of the state campaign “Maharashtra Majha! Marathi Majhi Samvad Bhasha!” or use online platforms to learn Marathi.

Government Campaign to Help Drivers Learn Marathi

The campaign is being conducted by the Maharashtra Transport Department, the State Marathi Development Institute and the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad.

The main aim of the initiative is to help auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers communicate more easily with passengers and other citizens across Maharashtra.

The government believes that better communication between drivers and passengers can make everyday travel smoother, particularly in cities where drivers interact with people from different backgrounds.

Why Was the Marathi Requirement Put on Hold?

The mandatory Marathi requirement had faced opposition from several auto-rickshaw and taxi driver associations in Maharashtra.

Many drivers said they needed more time to learn the language. Some drivers also staged protests, arguing that the proposed language requirement and possible action against those who failed to meet it were unfair.

Following representations from driver associations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stayed the implementation of the law related to Marathi knowledge among drivers.

Sarnaik's Message to Non-Marathi Drivers

Sarnaik has now asked drivers to treat the stay as an opportunity rather than a reason to delay learning Marathi.

With the requirement currently on hold until August 18, 2027, drivers have several months to improve their Marathi communication skills and prepare for the future implementation of the rule.

The minister's appeal also comes as the Maharashtra government continues efforts to encourage the use of Marathi in everyday public communication.

What Drivers Should Know

For non-Marathi-speaking auto, taxi and app-based cab drivers, the key points are:

  • The Marathi language requirement is currently stayed.
  • The stay is valid until August 18, 2027
  • Drivers have been encouraged to start learning Marathi during this period.
  • The state is running the Maharashtra Majha! Marathi Majhi Samvad Bhasha! campaign.
  • Drivers can also explore online resources to improve their Marathi.
  • The campaign focuses on helping drivers communicate better with passengers.

For now, drivers have been given more time. Sarnaik's message is clear: use this period to learn Marathi rather than wait for the deadline.