Maharashtra Marathi Rule For Auto, Taxi Drivers To Be Enforced From August 20; Badge Suspension For Non-Compliance

Starting August 20, Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be required to demonstrate practical knowledge of the Marathi language. Drivers without basic Marathi skills will have one month to comply, after which their driver badges may be suspended for up to three months.

Persistent refusal to learn Marathi could result in the cancellation of both the badge and permit. This mandate, rooted in a 1989 rule, will now be strictly enforced following a new legal provision introduced on August 12, 2026.

The initiative aims to respect Maharashtra's language and culture, not to deny employment. Drivers who refuse to learn Marathi will face legal action without further delay. The government will also implement stricter checks for new permits and badges, assessing applicants' Marathi proficiency through direct interaction and video recording. Only those who demonstrate the required language skills will receive their badges.

The Transport Department has ordered the verification of complaints about fake domicile certificates being used to obtain permits and badges. Authorities may conduct police inquiries if necessary, verifying applicants' residency in Maharashtra for at least 15 years. Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad will oversee the implementation, with a report expected by the end of the following month.

Welfare measures include support for autorickshaw and taxi drivers, with over 37,000 members joining the Anand Dighe-named corporation. Rs 57 crore has been allocated for welfare schemes, including student assistance, a Rs 10,000 benefit for drivers after 65, and financial support for medical treatment for serious illnesses.