Marathi knowledge now must for app cab drivers in Maharashtra
Mumbai: After drivers of autos and kaali-peelis, the state govt has now made it mandatory for app-based taxi drivers and permit holders of commercial passenger vehicles in Maharashtra to possess a working knowledge of Marathi. It amended Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, on Wednesday to introduce this rule and warned that non-compliance can lead to a three-month suspension and even cancellation of licences or badges.
Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, cover autos, taxis and app-based cabs fitted with electronic meters. The changes strengthen Marathi language requirements at the entry level, with the amended Rule 4 making it clear that those seeking driving authorisations must fulfil the criterion. According to a notification issued by govt, the level of proficiency must be satisfactory to the competent authority.
Govt had on May 1 made basic proficiency in Marathi compulsory for drivers of autos and kaali-peelis and offered a 105-day Marathi training programme across regional transport offices and language training centres. The compliance deadline for these drivers will end on Aug 15 and the state transport department will begin a crackdown on violators on Aug 17. The drive to cover commercial passenger vehicles is expected to begin in a staggered manner thereafter.
The most consequential change through the amendments lies in enforcement. Under another rule, if an authorised driver of an app-based cab fails to demonstrate practical knowledge of Marathi, the licensing authority can suspend the relevant authorisation on the licence for up to three months after recording the reasons in writing. Continued non-compliance or repeat violations after the suspension period could lead to cancellation of the authorisation altogether, effectively preventing the person from operating commercial passenger vehicles under that licence category.
The obligation goes beyond drivers. The amended Rules 78 and 85 make language proficiency a prerequisite for permit holders of app-based cabs equipped with electronic meters and those looking to renew their permits.
Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said the amendments are intended to remove ambiguities in the existing framework that had allegedly allowed some drivers to evade compliance with the language requirement.
More than 1.1 lakh non-Marathi auto and taxi drivers across Maharashtra have completed the functional Marathi language training so far. Marathi Commission chairperson Ravi Gaikwad said the transport department has urged the remaining commercial passenger vehicle drivers to complete the programme before Aug 15. “RTO squads will identify drivers who are unable to speak basic Marathi and penalise them from Aug 17,” he said.
Drivers who completed the basic Marathi course will be felicitated at a function at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane on Aug 17. CM Devendra Fadnavis, deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and Marathi language minister Uday Samant are expected to attend it. Thousands of drivers will receive certificates from Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad.
Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, cover autos, taxis and app-based cabs fitted with electronic meters. The changes strengthen Marathi language requirements at the entry level, with the amended Rule 4 making it clear that those seeking driving authorisations must fulfil the criterion. According to a notification issued by govt, the level of proficiency must be satisfactory to the competent authority.
Govt had on May 1 made basic proficiency in Marathi compulsory for drivers of autos and kaali-peelis and offered a 105-day Marathi training programme across regional transport offices and language training centres. The compliance deadline for these drivers will end on Aug 15 and the state transport department will begin a crackdown on violators on Aug 17. The drive to cover commercial passenger vehicles is expected to begin in a staggered manner thereafter.
The most consequential change through the amendments lies in enforcement. Under another rule, if an authorised driver of an app-based cab fails to demonstrate practical knowledge of Marathi, the licensing authority can suspend the relevant authorisation on the licence for up to three months after recording the reasons in writing. Continued non-compliance or repeat violations after the suspension period could lead to cancellation of the authorisation altogether, effectively preventing the person from operating commercial passenger vehicles under that licence category.
The obligation goes beyond drivers. The amended Rules 78 and 85 make language proficiency a prerequisite for permit holders of app-based cabs equipped with electronic meters and those looking to renew their permits.
Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said the amendments are intended to remove ambiguities in the existing framework that had allegedly allowed some drivers to evade compliance with the language requirement.
More than 1.1 lakh non-Marathi auto and taxi drivers across Maharashtra have completed the functional Marathi language training so far. Marathi Commission chairperson Ravi Gaikwad said the transport department has urged the remaining commercial passenger vehicle drivers to complete the programme before Aug 15. “RTO squads will identify drivers who are unable to speak basic Marathi and penalise them from Aug 17,” he said.
Drivers who completed the basic Marathi course will be felicitated at a function at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane on Aug 17. CM Devendra Fadnavis, deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and Marathi language minister Uday Samant are expected to attend it. Thousands of drivers will receive certificates from Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad.
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