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Marathi knowledge mandatory for Maharashtra's commercial vehicle drivers; Sarnaik warns of action
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that drivers of all commercial passenger vehicles must have working knowledge of Marathi and warned of strict action for non-compliance. The move has drawn support from unions and cultural bodies, with plans for a short Marathi course and awareness campaigns, and a meeting of transport officers scheduled to discuss implementation.
Why It Matters
The policy change sets a language requirement for public-facing drivers in Maharashtra, potentially affecting enforcement, driver training, and interactions with passengers, and has drawn both support and calls for deferral.
Timeline
3 Events
Upcoming meeting of RTO officers to discuss the issue
April 27, 2026
A meeting of 59 regional and deputy regional transport officers was scheduled at the Transport Commissionerate on Tuesday to discuss the issue in detail and take appropriate decisions. While the article notes the meeting as scheduled for Tuesday, the dateText reflects the publication date of the report.
Support from unions and cultural bodies for Marathi-learning plan
April 27, 2026
The minister noted support from organisations such as the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, along with writers, for teaching basic Marathi to drivers. Autorickshaw and taxi unions also agreed to cooperate with the initiative. The meeting included Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, labour leaders Shashank Rao and Haji Arafat Shaikh, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, and representatives of autorickshaw and taxi unions.
Sarnaik announces Marathi proficiency requirement for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers in Maharashtra
April 27, 2026
At a meeting held at Mantralaya on April 27, 2026, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that drivers of all commercial passenger vehicles in the state must have a working knowledge of Marathi and warned of strict action against those who refuse to learn the language. He emphasized that Marathi is the state language and should be respected, and that basic Marathi is a minimum expectation for doing business and interacting with the public. He did not specify vehicle categories in the directive. The remarks followed appeals from autorickshaw and taxi unions to defer the plan to make Marathi compulsory from May 1. Sarnaik said steps would be taken to teach drivers basic Marathi for day-to-day communication, with support from organisations such as Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, along with writers, and that unions had agreed to cooperate. A meeting involving Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, labour leaders Shashank Rao and Haji Arafat Shaikh, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, and representatives of autorickshaw and taxi unions attended the session. A further meeting of 59 regional and deputy regional transport officers was scheduled at the Transport Commissionerate on Tuesday to discuss the issue in detail and take appropriate decisions, and the government also planned a short Marathi course and awareness campaigns for drivers.