Mandatory Marathi Rule Put on Hold; Maharashtra Government Postpones Mandatory Marathi Rule for Auto Drivers

Maharashtra government has postponed the mandatory Marathi language rule for auto and taxi drivers. The decision comes after discussions with unions, offering temporary relief while authorities reconsider implementation and possible changes to the policy.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma

Updated : 27 April 2026, 4:30 PM IST

Language Test for Taxi Drivers Put on Hold (Image Source: Internet)

New Delhi: The Maharashtra government had planned to make knowledge of the Marathi language mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. Under this rule, drivers would have been required to know how to speak, read, and write Marathi in order to be granted permission to transport passengers.

According to recent reports, the decision to implement this rule starting May 1st has been temporarily postponed. The government took this step following discussions with driver unions, aiming to take the views of all stakeholders into consideration.

What Transpired During the Meeting?

State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik held a meeting with leaders of the auto and taxi unions. During this meeting, discussions were held regarding the proposal to implement a 'Functional Marathi' test, which was intended to be made a mandatory requirement for obtaining a license.

What Are the Drivers' Concerns?

Many drivers have stated that they have migrated from other states to work in Maharashtra, and for them, learning Marathi immediately is not an easy task.

Consequently, they opposed this rule and were demanding relief. The government is currently re-evaluating this rule. It is possible that certain modifications may be made or that drivers may be granted additional time before the rule is implemented.

A final decision on this matter is expected to be taken in the coming days. For the time being, the decision to make the Marathi language mandatory has been deferred, providing relief to the drivers. However, this issue has not yet been fully resolved, and the government may soon announce a new decision.