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How the Marathi mandate got scrubbed from the rule book
The Marathi language knowledge requirement for drivers in Maharashtra’s MV Rules 1989 Section 24 was reportedly inadvertently altered, scrubbing the mandate. The state plans to restore the original provision, while launching training and testing initiatives ahead of a May 1 drive, and a committee will prepare a report due August 16 to guide policy.
Why It Matters
The change affects licensing rules and business compliance for drivers in Maharashtra, signaling how language policy interacts with regulatory enforcement and driver training.
Timeline
4 Events
August 16, 2026: Committee report as basis for future policy decisions
August 16, 2026
A committee headed by additional transport commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad will submit a comprehensive report to the transport department on August 16, 2026, which will inform future policy decisions related to the Marathi language requirement and related driver training and certification programs.
May 1, 2026: Marathi language skill testing drive begins
May 1, 2026
The transport department announced a drive to test Marathi language skills of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across Maharashtra starting May 1. The approach includes not cancelling licenses for those lacking Marathi proficiency but directing them to training. RTO offices will offer learning facilities for drivers who wish to learn Marathi, and certificates will be issued upon proficiency to be considered during licence renewals.
April 28, 2026: Article reports discovery of unintended change to Marathi rule and related measures
April 28, 2026
An article published on April 28, 2026 reports that the clause making knowledge of Marathi mandatory for drivers was inadvertently changed in Section 24 of the Maharashtra MV Rules, 1989. It notes that the state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced licences of drivers lacking Marathi proficiency will not be canceled and that amendments to Section 24 are under consideration to restore the original requirement. Training programs will be organized with Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, providing booklets and e-books. A drive to test Marathi knowledge was planned from May 1, and an inspection drive in Mira-Bhayandar found 3,443 rickshaws checked, with 565 drivers unable to demonstrate Marathi knowledge. A committee led by additional transport commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad will prepare a comprehensive report due on August 16 to guide future policy decisions.
2007: Section 24 amended to drop Marathi knowledge and badge mandate
2007
In 2007, auto drivers objected to wearing the triangle-shaped metal badge (billa) with permit details. The transport department amended Section 24 of the Maharashtra MV Rules, 1989 to make wearing the badge non-mandatory and allowed an RTO-issued identity card instead. The same section was modified to render the knowledge of Marathi non-mandatory.