{
  "id": 665631,
  "title": "Maharashtra Makes Knowing Marathi Mandatory For App-Based Drivers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/maharashtra-makes-knowing-marathi-mandatory-for-app-based-drivers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T12:02:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Inc42",
    "slug": "inc42",
    "url": "https://inc42.com/buzz/maharashtra-makes-knowing-marathi-mandatory-for-app-based-drivers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Maharashtra government has mandated that cab drivers for apps like Ola, Uber and Rapido must possess a practical understanding of the Marathi language. This new requirement, announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, aims to ensure seamless communication between drivers and passengers. Non-Marathi speakers may face suspension of their licenses for up to three months due to non-compliance. To help drivers meet the new standards, the state will conduct a 105-day Marathi training program across regional offices. Over 1 lakh drivers have already completed the initial four-hour course, with certificates expected to be awarded on August 17 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. This move is part of a broader push to impose stricter regulations on app-based transport platforms.",
  "summary": "The Maharashtra government has reportedly extended its Marathi language mandate to app-based cab drivers working for aggregators like Ola, Uber…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}