08 July,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik (File pic)
The Maharashtra government has made knowledge of practical Marathi mandatory for drivers of commercial passenger vehicles, amending the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, in a move aimed at improving passenger safety, communication, and public service.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday announced that the state has amended Rules 4, 22, 78, and 85 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. As per the officials' notification on July 8, the new requirement will come into force from August 16, 2026.
Addressing the legislature, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that the decision was intended to strengthen communication between drivers and passengers and should not be viewed as being against any language.
He asserted, "Marathi is not a language that alienates people; rather, it is a language that connects people."
Sarnaik further added that Maharashtra has always welcomed people from across the country seeking employment. However, he stressed that acquiring sufficient knowledge of practical Marathi to communicate with residents is both a legal requirement and a social responsibility.
According to the Transport Department, the mandatory Marathi proficiency requirement has been introduced to ensure better communication between commercial vehicle drivers and passengers, particularly during emergencies.
Furthermore, the government believes that effective communication will reduce misunderstandings, enable quicker assistance in emergency situations, and strengthen public confidence in Maharashtra's transport services.
To facilitate implementation of the new rules, the Transport Department has been conducting a statewide training campaign over the past several months.
The initiative has been undertaken with support from the Marathi Language Department, Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, and Industries Minister Uday Samant. Thousands of teachers have been mobilised to train commercial drivers across Maharashtra.
Training sessions are being held at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and designated training centers at timings convenient for drivers.
The specially designed "Practical Marathi" curriculum focuses on everyday communication required by commercial drivers. It includes:
The training programme also includes simplified booklets, conversation guides, and learning material aimed at making Marathi easier to understand and use in daily operations.
Sarnaik said the initiative encourages people working in Maharashtra to take pride in their own mother tongue while embracing Marathi, the state's official language.
He said, "Respecting Marathi signifies respect for Maharashtra's culture, history, and the sentiments of its people."
Expressing confidence in the initiative, Sarnaik said that the decision would promote a balance between linguistic pride, passenger safety, and quality public services. He assured us that the government would continue to provide training, guidance, and all necessary support to drivers.
He also appealed to commercial drivers, vehicle owners, transport associations, and citizens to cooperate in successfully implementing the initiative.
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