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The Maharashtra government has proposed to amend the law to make “working knowledge of Marathi language” mandatory for cab drivers, with non-compliance potentially leading to suspension or revocation of their driving licences, officials said.
The state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on August 12, Wednesday, said there will be no extension of the August 15 deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi.
Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut stressed the need for drivers to learn the local language, while Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that although learning the local language was important, forcing someone to do so was wrong.
Under the proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the driver of a motor cab fitted with an electronic meter will have to possess “working knowledge of Marathi language”, according to a draft notification issued by the state government, a copy of which was shared with the media by Sarnaik’s office on Wednesday.
“Working knowledge of the local language is necessary to communicate with passengers, understand what they have to say and ensure safe and convenient travel. This will enable more effective implementation of these rules in the future,” Sarnaik said.
According to the draft notification, the licensing authority will issue a notice granting the driver one month to acquire the required working knowledge of Marathi if he/she is found lacking it.
The proposed amendments are being introduced through the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which seek to amend the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and cover drivers and permit holders of autorickshaws, taxis and app-based motor cabs fitted with electronic meters.
