Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai who do not speak Marathi could face regulatory penalties as the Maharashtra government begins enforcing its regional language requirement from Tuesday. Authorities had previously granted drivers a grace period to complete government-sponsored language training, which has now officially expired. While non-compliant drivers will not face immediate licence revocation, they have been given a structured four-month timeline to meet the standard. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik clarified that drivers unable to demonstrate basic proficiency will first receive a 30-day formal notice. Should they fail to comply following the notice period, their licences will be suspended for three months, with permanent cancellation reserved for continued non-compliance.
Approximately 125,000 drivers who completed the state's language training and received official certification are fully exempt from enforcement actions. Speaking at the conclusion of the 'Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Course Campaign' in Thane, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described Marathi as a language of devotion rather than compulsion, commending the drivers who passed the examination during the 105-day programme. Shinde encouraged locals to engage non-speakers in Marathi with patience rather than ridicule, stressing that language adoption should stem from respect rather than fear of legal consequences.
Conversely, Transport Minister Sarnaik maintained a firm stance on compliance, stating that refusal to learn the local language would no longer be tolerated within the public transport sector. Sarnaik acknowledged Shinde's political sponsorship of the initiative and noted that the Industries Department, headed by Uday Samant, allocated Rs 1 crore to fund the training scheme. Across major urban centres such as Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Pune, individuals from non-Marathi backgrounds constitute a substantial portion of the transport workforce. State officials maintain that the policy aims to integrate migrant workers and promote the regional language rather than target specific communities.
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