Maharashtra tightens Marathi language rule for commercial drivers, adds licence suspensions

On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government revised its motor-vehicle regulations, imposing a compulsory Marathi language requirement on anyone operating commercial passenger vehicles, including autos, taxis and app-based cabs equipped with electronic meters. The amendment inserts Rule 22(3A), allowing licensing authorities to suspend a driver’s authorisation for up to three months if they cannot demonstrate satisfactory Marathi proficiency, and to cancel the authorisation after further non-compliance.

Entry rules are also tightened: Rule 4 now mandates Marathi knowledge for new licence applicants, Rule 78 extends the requirement to permit holders, and Rule 85 ties Marathi competence to permit renewals for app-cabs. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the changes eliminate ambiguities that let some drivers evade the rule. The Marathi Commission says more than 1.1 lakh non-Marathi-speaking drivers have finished functional Marathi training, and officials will begin identifying non-compliant drivers from August 17, with a ceremony for trained drivers slated for August 17 in Thane attended by senior state leaders.