Clarifying the government’s stand, Sarnaik said that actors like Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan have not taken transport licences from the government, nor have industrialists like Mukesh Ambani or Gautam Adani obtained passenger transport permits. Therefore, anyone wishing to do business in Maharashtra must learn the local language, he asserted.
Sarnaik stated that drivers who do not know Marathi will first face fines starting August 15, after which stricter action may follow if they continue to violate the rule.
The minister said that making Marathi compulsory for auto and taxi drivers will not affect their livelihoods. He clarified that this is not a new rule but one that has existed since 1989. According to him, several legislators had complained about fake licences and forged documents being submitted at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), prompting the government to strictly implement the old regulation.
He added that the issue is primarily about communication between drivers and passengers. Many passengers travelling to Mumbai from rural areas do not understand or speak Hindi, often leading to arguments and misunderstandings with drivers.
The government recently conducted a survey of 3,500 drivers in Mira-Bhayander, which found that as many as 565 drivers could not speak Marathi. Sarnaik said this was one of the main reasons behind the decision.
Following requests from driver unions for more time, the government has extended the deadline until August 15. The minister said the government is not only enforcing the rule but also helping drivers learn Marathi. With assistance from the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, a booklet containing everyday conversational Marathi has been prepared for drivers.
Additionally, drivers attending Marathi language classes are being given an honorarium of INR 100 for a half-hour session. Sarnaik said the government’s objective is simply to ensure that drivers can communicate in Marathi while working in Maharashtra.
Action After August 15
Sarnaik maintained that there is no ambiguity in the government’s position, anyone working in Maharashtra must know Marathi. He pointed out that drivers had already signed affidavits agreeing to licence conditions that include proof of identity, birth certificate, insurance documents, and knowledge of Marathi.
“Once you have accepted these conditions while obtaining the licence, how can it now be called compulsion?” he asked.
The minister clarified that licences will not be immediately cancelled after August 15. For the first violation, a fine of INR 500 will be imposed. However, he warned that further action would become unavoidable for repeated non-compliance.
Also Read: State Government Defends Appointment of Private School Teachers for Census Duty in High Court
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