Maharashtra to begin second phase of Marathi language training for drivers from Oct 2

A special course has been prepared to provide non-Marathi-speaking drivers with basic knowledge of the language. Representational Pic/File

The Maharashtra government will begin the second phase of its ‘Maharashtra Majha Marathi Majhi Samvad Bhasha' campaign on October 2, offering Marathi language training to vehicle drivers, an official statement said on Thursday.

The training programme will run at selected centres from October 2, 2026, to January 23, 2027, with the aim of helping drivers understand and speak basic Marathi for their daily interactions with passengers, it said.

The initiative is being conducted by the state Transport Department, State Marathi Development Institute and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, under the leadership of Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, it said.

Similar Marathi-language training for non-Marathi auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers has already been conducted in several parts of the state.

Training to focus on everyday Marathi

A special course has been prepared to provide non-Marathi-speaking drivers with basic knowledge of the language.

The classes will focus on commonly used Marathi words, sentence formation and conversational skills needed for everyday interactions with passengers.

The second phase will be formally launched at 11 am on October 2 at Anand Vishva Gurukul College in Raghunath Nagar in Thane district of Maharashtra.

Initiative is not against any language: Sarnaik

Sarnaik said the campaign was aimed at giving drivers working in Maharashtra an opportunity to learn and speak Marathi with confidence.

He said the campaign was not against any particular language or community, but was intended to promote Marathi as a language of communication in the state.

The first phase of the campaign saw large numbers of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers receive Marathi-language training and certificates.

Minister warns of action after extended deadline

Sarnaik also said the government had extended the deadline for non-Marathi-speaking drivers to learn Marathi until August 28, 2027, following a request from a drivers' organisation.

He said the extension did not mean that the underlying requirement had been withdrawn.

According to Sarnaik, drivers who fail to comply with the applicable rules after the extended deadline could face action under the law.

Focus on communication with passengers

The training is being conducted following a suggestion from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the statement said.

The campaign aims to help non-Marathi-speaking drivers communicate more effectively with passengers through basic Marathi, officials said.