Maharashtra issues notices to 777 drivers lacking functional Marathi language skills
The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to 777 taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers for failing to demonstrate functional Marathi language skills. This enforcement is part of a broader state campaign requiring drivers to be proficient in the local language.
Why it matters
The policy reflects ongoing regional efforts to prioritize local language and culture in public services, impacting the livelihoods of migrant workers in the transport sector.
Maharashtra Transport Department served notices to 777 drivers found lacking practical Marathi language, and a total of 5,211 drivers were tested in Mumbai and other parts of the State, officials said on Saturday (August 22, 2026).
On the third day of the Statewide inspection campaign, drivers found to lack working knowledge of practical Marathi were sent a notice and asked to learn Marathi within a period of one month.
The drive began on August 20, after the August 15 deadline for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn mandatory functional Marathi had ended. A total of 5,211 drivers were inspected across the State, including 3,942 in Mumbai.
“Drivers are being given sufficient time to learn Marathi. However, strict action will be taken against those who do not follow the rules even after the given deadline,” explained Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in