(By Sapna Desai Mumbai Samachar Desk)
Mumbai: Practical knowledge of Marathi has been made mandatory for rickshaw and taxi drivers across the state, with the rule coming into effect from Thursday, August 20. Drivers who lack a working knowledge of Marathi will have their badges suspended, though they will first be given a month’s notice to comply.
If drivers fail to acquire Marathi knowledge within this period, their badges will be suspended for three months. Should they continue to deliberately refuse to learn the language even after that, action will be taken to cancel their badges and licences altogether, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Wednesday.
1,65,600 Drivers Already Trained
Sarnaik said that for the past 105 days, the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh have been teaching Marathi to rickshaw and taxi drivers across the state. Around 1,65,600 non-Marathi rickshaw and taxi drivers responded to this campaign and underwent Marathi training. Under a rule that has been in effect in the state since 1989, practical knowledge of Marathi is required to drive rickshaws and taxis.
Sarnaik said the rule will be strictly enforced in accordance with the relevant legal provision issued on August 12, 2026. He clarified that the government’s objective is not to take away anyone’s livelihood. “The government’s role is to provide employment in Maharashtra to citizens from different parts of the country. Mumbai has always accommodated citizens from across the country. However, it is equally important to preserve pride in Maharashtra’s language and culture,” he said, adding that the decision was taken with the aim of promoting, propagating, and preserving Marathi after it was granted classical language status.
No Additional Leeway For Those Who Refuse To Learn
The Transport Minister further said that drivers who adopt the stance that they will not learn or speak Marathi will face action under the legal framework, without being granted any additional humanitarian grace period. Marathi knowledge will be verified through video recording at the time new badges are issued.
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So far, approximately 9,65,000 rickshaw-taxi licences and badges have been issued in the state. Going forward, while issuing new licences and badges, State Transport (ST) officials will verify whether a driver has practical knowledge of Marathi through direct conversation, and this will be recorded on video. Badges will be issued only after it is confirmed that the driver possesses working knowledge of Marathi.
Fake domicile certificates will also be scrutinised. Complaints have been received alleging the use of forged domicile certificates to obtain rickshaw-taxi licences or badges, and instructions have been issued for a thorough investigation of such certificates.