Beginning August 18, the driving licences of autorickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers who do not need a working information of Marathi may be suspended for as much as three months, whereas repeated violations might result in cancellation of their licences.
The state transport division on Wednesday amended the Maharashtra Motor Autos Guidelines, 1989, to offer for motion in opposition to drivers who don’t meet the Marathi-language requirement.
State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik mentioned that drivers of passenger transport automobiles would want to own a working information of Marathi to make sure efficient communication with commuters. “Driving licences may be suspended for as much as three months for lack of Marathi information; repeated violations can result in everlasting cancellation,” he mentioned.
The minister has directed the transport division to make sure simpler implementation of the legislation. “These amendments will take away ambiguity within the guidelines and make the significance of working information of Marathi for passenger transport drivers clearer. Data of the native language is critical to speak with passengers, perceive their considerations and guarantee protected and handy journey,” Sarnaik added.
Transport department officers mentioned they’d acquired complaints that some non-Marathi-speaking drivers have been circumventing the requirement to know Marathi by exploiting ambiguities or shortcomings within the present guidelines. The amended provisions are anticipated to allow the efficient implementation of those guidelines sooner or later, officers added.
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Marathi rule to use to autos, taxis and app cabs
In keeping with a authorities notification, a number of essential adjustments have been made to the Maharashtra Motor Autos Guidelines, 1989, beneath the Maharashtra Motor Autos (Modification) Guidelines, 2026. The amendments particularly make clear the requirement of sensible Marathi for drivers and allow holders of autorickshaws, taxis and app-based motor cabs fitted with digital meters.
Officers mentioned that beneath Rule 4(4) of the Maharashtra Motor Autos Guidelines, 1989, the phrases “and dealing information of Marathi language” have been inserted after the phrase “antecedents”. Which means an individual making use of for the related authorisation should possess working or sensible information of Marathi along with the prescribed {qualifications}.
“If an authorised driver is discovered to not possess the required information of Marathi, the licensing authority has been empowered to take motion for non-compliance after recording causes in writing,” mentioned an official from the regional transport workplace (RTO). RTOs throughout the state will start taking motion in opposition to drivers throughout widespread inspections and checks from August 18, the official added.
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Drivers queue at Tardeo RTO for Marathi check
In the meantime, lengthy queues have been seen on the Tardeo RTO on Wednesday, with auto and taxi drivers ready to offer a Marathi proficiency check. Some drivers mentioned they’d been ready for hours for his or her flip.
Bhola Singh, a 53-year-old driver from Wadala, mentioned, “I’ve been ready right here since 9.30 am. Now, it’s 6.30 pm, and I’m nonetheless right here. I’m born and introduced up right here, and I can learn, write and communicate Marathi with ease.”
Ajay Tiwari, 46, from Virar, mentioned, “My household and I’ve been residing in Mumbai for years now. I’ve studied in a BMC faculty and might learn and write Marathi nicely, but I’ve been requested to take this check.”
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The transport division had earlier set August 15 because the deadline for drivers to fulfill the Marathi-language requirement. Because the state introduced the coverage in April, transport unions, RTOs and political organisations have organised Marathi coaching classes and assessments for drivers throughout Mumbai.
