Clear functional Marathi test or lose permits from Aug 16: Minister warns taxi, rickshaw drivers
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has mandated that taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers must pass a functional Marathi language test by August 16 to retain their operating permits. Additionally, the state is introducing mandatory domicile certificates for bike taxi operators starting August 1.
Why it matters
These regulations reflect state-level efforts to enforce linguistic requirements and residency criteria for public transport operators, impacting migrant workers and gig economy participants.
Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) warned that the licences of taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers can be cancelled from August 16 if they fail to clear the functional Marathi language test.
The policy reflects regionalist/nativist political priorities, though the reporting itself remains neutral in its presentation of the minister's statements.
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