📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Politics
Maharashtra Makes Marathi Mandatory for Drivers, CM Fadnavis Promises No Language Injustice
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 24 Aug 2026, 09:26 PM
👁 8
The Maharashtra government has announced that Marathi will be compulsory for all licensed drivers, with CM Fadnavis assuring that the move will not create language‑based discrimination.
The Maharashtra government has declared Marathi to be the mandatory language for all licensed drivers across the state. The announcement, made during a press briefing, comes as part of a broader initiative to promote the regional language in public services.
CM Fadnavis, speaking on behalf of the state administration, emphasized that the policy would not lead to any form of language‑based injustice. He stated that all necessary support measures would be put in place to help drivers adapt to the new requirement.
Under the new rules, drivers will be required to demonstrate proficiency in Marathi as part of their license renewal process. The government has indicated that training and assessment centers will be established in major districts to facilitate the transition.
The policy has sparked mixed reactions. While language advocates welcome the move as a step toward preserving Marathi, some civil‑rights groups have urged the government to ensure that the implementation does not marginalize non‑Marathi speakers.
The state government has promised to monitor the rollout closely and to address any concerns that may arise during the implementation phase.
CM Fadnavis, speaking on behalf of the state administration, emphasized that the policy would not lead to any form of language‑based injustice. He stated that all necessary support measures would be put in place to help drivers adapt to the new requirement.
Under the new rules, drivers will be required to demonstrate proficiency in Marathi as part of their license renewal process. The government has indicated that training and assessment centers will be established in major districts to facilitate the transition.
The policy has sparked mixed reactions. While language advocates welcome the move as a step toward preserving Marathi, some civil‑rights groups have urged the government to ensure that the implementation does not marginalize non‑Marathi speakers.
The state government has promised to monitor the rollout closely and to address any concerns that may arise during the implementation phase.