Action against drivers without Marathi knowledge from Aug 20: Maharashtra Minister
The Maharashtra government is launching a month-long enforcement drive starting August 20, 2026, to penalize auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers who lack a working knowledge of Marathi. Drivers failing to comply face potential license and badge suspension.
Why it matters
The policy has sparked concerns among migrant workers regarding their livelihoods and the ambiguity of the language proficiency requirement.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) announced that a drive will begin on Thursday (August 20, 2026) to act against auto‑rickshaw and taxi drivers without a "working knowledge" of Marathi.
Action will be initiated against those who do not possess the required certificate or working knowledge of Marathi. Notices will first be issued, and if compliance is not achieved, the driver's licence and badge may be suspended for three months, he told reporters.
A drive will begin from Thursday (August 20, 2026) against autorickshaw and taxi drivers who do not have working knowledge of Marathi, he said.
"If someone fails to do so even after three months, orders will be issued for cancellation of their license and badge," Mr. Sarnaik said.
Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad will lead the month-long drive against non-Marathi taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers across the state, the Minister said.
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