05 October,2026 12:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. File Pic
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has urged non-Marathi-speaking drivers operating rickshaws, taxis and app-based passenger vehicles in Maharashtra to use the current stay on the implementation of amended provisions concerning practical Marathi as an opportunity to learn the language.
Sarnaik appealed to drivers who have not yet undergone Marathi language training to join the second phase of the state's âMaharashtra Majha! Marathi Majhi Samvad Bhasha!' campaign or use online learning resources to develop basic communication skills.
The minister also warned that the stay, which is currently in force until August 18, 2027, should not be interpreted as a withdrawal of the amended law. He said drivers should complete their language training during the period before enforcement resumes.
The campaign is being implemented jointly by the Transport Department, the State Marathi Development Institute and the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad. It is aimed at helping drivers who live and work in Maharashtra communicate more effectively with passengers and other citizens.
During the first phase, more than 180 training centres were established across the state. Around 1,800 teachers were involved in the programme, through which more than 165,800 non-Marathi-speaking drivers were trained in practical Marathi.
However, the government estimates that around 8 to 9 lakh non-Marathi-speaking drivers continue to operate rickshaws, taxis and app-based passenger vehicles across Maharashtra. The second phase has therefore been launched to extend the programme to drivers who have not yet received training.
Officials face the challenge of reaching a large number of drivers within a limited period. Sarnaik has consequently asked those who have yet to learn Marathi to enrol in training centres without waiting for the enforcement deadline.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had ordered a stay on the implementation of the amended law concerning practical Marathi until August 18, 2027, following representations from some rickshaw and taxi associations.
Sarnaik said drivers should understand that the stay provides additional time before enforcement and does not amount to the repeal of the law. He urged them to use the intervening period to complete the required training rather than wait until the implementation deadline approaches.
"The government has opened the doors to training to learn Marathi. The stay is not an opportunity to avoid learning Marathi, but time given to prepare yourself. Learn practical Marathi during this period. After August 18, 2027, the rules will be strictly enforced when implementing the law," Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik warned.
The second phase of the campaign is focused on bringing more drivers into the training programme through physical classes as well as online learning options. The initiative seeks to improve communication between drivers and passengers, particularly during routine interactions while providing transport services.
The government has maintained that the campaign is intended to promote the use of Marathi in everyday communication and improve interaction between transport workers and passengers.
Sarnaik has asked non-Marathi-speaking drivers across the state to participate in the second phase and complete their practical Marathi training before the August 18, 2027 deadline. The minister said drivers should treat the current period as an opportunity to prepare for the enforcement of the amended provisions rather than as a reason to delay learning the language.
