28 April,2026 07:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pratap Sarnaik
The Maharashtra Transport Department will launch a statewide verification drive from May 1 to August 15 to enforce its decision mandating knowledge of Marathi for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. The initiative aims to strengthen compliance while offering training support to drivers unfamiliar with the language.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the move at a press conference, stating that a four-member committee led by Additional Transport Commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad will oversee the campaign.
According to the minister, representatives of auto-rickshaw and taxi unions have expressed support for the decision. He said there was broad agreement that drivers operating in Maharashtra should have a working knowledge of Marathi.
Senior officials, including Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, were present at the briefing.
All 59 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state have been directed to conduct inspections during the campaign period. Authorities will take action against drivers found violating transport rules or operating illegally.
However, the minister clarified that a lack of Marathi knowledge alone will not lead to licence cancellation. Any action will be taken strictly under existing legal provisions.
Referring to a recent enforcement drive in Mira-Bhayandar, Sarnaik said 3,443 auto-rickshaws were inspected. Of these, 565 drivers were unable to demonstrate knowledge of Marathi. He noted that many of them have shown willingness to learn the language.
To support compliance, the Transport Department will provide language training facilities at RTO offices. The programme will be conducted in collaboration with organisations such as Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.
Drivers will also have access to booklets and e-books designed to help them learn Marathi. Those who complete the training successfully will receive certification from the state government, which will be required during licence renewal.
The committee headed by Gaikwad will review the campaign on a daily and weekly basis, issuing directions to RTOs based on inspection reports. Officials say this monitoring system is intended to ensure consistent implementation across the state.
Sarnaik said the government would take a firm stance against violations while also offering opportunities for drivers to comply. A comprehensive report on the 100-day campaign will be submitted on August 16, 2026, which will guide further policy decisions.
