Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday, April 28, announced that a special verification campaign wil be conducted from May 1 to August 15 to ensure the effective implementation of the decision to make Marathi language mandatory for auto and taxi drivers in the state.
The leadership of this campaign has been entrusted to a 4-member committee established under the chairmanship of Additional Transport Commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik informed at a press conference.
Minister Sarnaik stated that in a meeting with representatives of auto-taxi organizations, all organizations have given a positive response and full support to the decision to make Marathi language mandatory.
This decision comes after drivers' unions opposed the move and threatened a state-wide protest from May 4. Later, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam had also urged the government to postpone its decision, allowing the drivers a time of six months or a year to learn the langauge.
He clarified that everyone has accepted the stance that "If you want to do business in Maharashtra, knowing Marathi is essential."
Facilities will be provided at RTO offices for interested drivers to learn Marathi, and training will be imparted in collaboration with the 'Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad' and 'Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.' Booklets and e-books for learning Marathi will also be made available.
Drivers who learn Marathi will be issued certificates by the state government, and this certificate will be required when renewing licenses, Minister Pratap Sarnaik also informed. Instructions have been given to all 59 RTOs in the state to conduct a special inspection campaign starting from May 1, and under this, strict action will be taken against drivers who violate the rules as well as those engaged in illegal transportation.
However, licenses will not be canceled solely on the grounds that the driver does not know Marathi; action will be taken only in accordance with other legal provisions. "It is the state's tradition to give opportunities to drivers who show readiness to learn Marathi. There will be no compromise on those who violate the rules," Minister Sarnaik also warned.
After this 100-day campaign, a comprehensive report will be submitted on August 16, 2026, and further policy decisions will be taken accordingly, Transport Minister Sarnaik clarified at the end. Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar and Additional Transport Commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad were present at this press conference.
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