22 April,2026 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pratap Sarnaik. Pic/X
The Maharashtra government has renewed its push to enforce a long-standing directive requiring drivers of autorickshaws, taxis, and app-based transport services to communicate with passengers in Marathi, amid concerns over weak implementation across several regions.
The policy, first introduced in 2019, mandates that drivers operating commercial passenger vehicles - including those working with aggregators such as Ola and Uber - should be able to converse in Marathi. However, officials say compliance has remained inconsistent, particularly among drivers who have migrated from other states.
According to government, complaints from commuters have highlighted frequent communication gaps, often leading to inconvenience during travel. These concerns have prompted the state to revisit enforcement mechanisms and tighten oversight.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is set to chair a high-level meeting on April 23 to assess the situation and outline corrective measures. The meeting will bring together administrative officials, language experts, and members of the academic and literary community.
One of the key proposals under discussion is the introduction of a structured training programme aimed at helping non-Marathi drivers acquire basic conversational skills. Officials believe that such an initiative could offer a more sustainable solution than relying solely on enforcement.
Several noted figures from the literary and academic fields - including Ujjwala Mehendale, Pradeep Dhawane, Mahesh Keluskar, and others - are expected to contribute to the design and implementation of the training framework. Their involvement is seen as an effort to ensure that the programme is both practical and culturally grounded.
The Transport Commissioner will also participate in the discussions, which are expected to cover compliance mechanisms, monitoring systems, and possible penalties for violations.
The renewed emphasis on the language rule comes at a time when Marathi has been accorded the status of a classical language, adding symbolic weight to the initiative. Officials suggest that the timing, close to Maharashtra Day, is intended to reinforce the cultural and administrative importance of the policy.
While the government maintains that the rule is essential for improving commuter experience, it is also positioning the move as part of a broader effort to promote linguistic inclusivity and cultural identity within the state.
Officials acknowledge that enforcing the rule across a large and diverse workforce presents challenges. Many drivers depend on app-based platforms for their livelihood, and sudden or rigid enforcement could disrupt services.
As a result, the upcoming meeting is expected to focus on striking a balance between regulatory enforcement and practical support measures, such as training and phased implementation.
The outcome of these discussions is likely to shape how the policy is enforced in the coming months, with the government aiming to ensure both smoother communication for passengers and wider acceptance among drivers.
