Maharashtra Extends Deadline for Taxi and Auto-rickshaw Drivers to Master Local Language

Maharashtra’s transport authorities have granted commercial vehicle drivers — including taxi and auto-rickshaw operators — an extended period to comply with new regulations requiring a working knowledge of Marathi, the state’s official language.

This move follows mounting concerns similar to those raised in neighboring states like Karnataka, where language advocates warn that Hindi and English are increasingly displacing Kannada among migrant communities. In Maharashtra, officials emphasize that fluency in reading or writing Marathi is not mandatory; instead, drivers must demonstrate basic conversational ability through structured training programs and oral assessments.

To support compliance, the government launched targeted classes focusing on practical Marathi vocabulary relevant to daily operations — phrases for confirming destinations, explaining fares, and giving directions. These sessions aim to equip drivers with essential communication tools without imposing academic burdens.

Since the initiative began, approximately 166,000 drivers have completed the program and passed their oral evaluations, according to data from the state’s transport department. Among them is Munawar Sheikh, a 58-year-old auto-rickshaw driver who participated in a four-day course near Mumbai. During the training in Thane, he and fellow drivers memorized 16 commonly used expressions such as “Where would you like to go?”, “Don’t worry,” and “The fare will be according to the meter.”

Upon finishing the course, participants undergo a spoken exam. Those who pass receive certification valid for inspection purposes. Sheikh noted that the training enabled him to engage in basic dialogues with passengers, enhancing both service quality and mutual understanding.

However, several drivers face challenges fitting education into demanding schedules. Ajay Singh, a Mumbai-based cab operator, expressed interest in learning Marathi but struggles to balance work demands with study time. Earning between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000 per day ($17–$23), he cannot afford to lose income for attending classes. Missing even a few days could jeopardize rent payments and his children’s education expenses.

Instead, Singh relies on self-study methods — tuning into Marathi radio stations during shifts and practicing phrases with native speakers encountered on rides. His approach reflects a broader trend of adaptive learning amid economic constraints.

For others, the additional time provided under the revised timeline has proven beneficial. Lakhan Pandey, another driver, welcomed the flexibility, stating he had no objection to acquiring the skill but needed sufficient duration to integrate it organically. “We live here, we work here. Of course we should learn Marathi,” he said. “Just give us the time to learn it without putting our livelihoods at risk.”

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