Marathi Made Mandatory for All Auto‑Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers in Maharashtra

The state cabinet approved a new regulation that makes Marathi language proficiency a prerequisite for operating an auto‑rickshaw or taxi in Maharashtra. Under the rule, drivers must demonstrate basic conversational skills in Marathi before receiving or renewing their commercial vehicle permits.

Transport officials say the measure will help reduce language barriers between drivers and passengers, especially in rural and semi‑urban areas where Marathi is the primary language. The department will conduct simple oral tests at regional transport offices, and drivers who fail to meet the criteria will be given a short training period to improve their skills.

The decision follows long‑standing demands from local citizen groups and aligns with Maharashtra's broader efforts to promote the state language in public services. While the transport ministry has not disclosed exact implementation dates, it expects the policy to be fully operational by the end of the next quarter.