Non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra who fail to obtain a Marathi language proficiency certificate by August 15 will face legal and penal action, the state transport department announced on Friday. The move is aimed at improving communication between drivers and passengers by ensuring basic proficiency in Marathi.
Marathi course mandatory for non-Marathi drivers
The transport department has made it compulsory for all non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to complete a four-hour 'Marathi Bhasha Samvad Pathyakram' (Marathi communication course) between June 1 and August 15, 2026. The course is being offered free of cost.
Authorised institutions to issue certificates
Only certificates issued by the Maharashtra State Marathi Language Department, Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh will be recognised by the transport department. These three organisations have been authorised to conduct the training programme.
71 training centres across MMR
Transport Department Joint Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad said 71 training centres have been established across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Around 4,500 teachers associated with the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad have been engaged to conduct the sessions.
He added that Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials are also helping drivers enrol in and complete the course before the deadline.
According to the transport department, the primary objective of the initiative is to eliminate language barriers between passengers and drivers, improve the quality of service and enhance professional opportunities for drivers operating in the state.
Action after August 15
The department has warned that drivers who fail to obtain the Marathi language proficiency certificate by August 15, 2026, will face legal and penal action. However, Gaikwad clarified that the government's intention is not to punish drivers but to encourage them to take advantage of the free training programme and obtain the certificate within the stipulated period.
