Mumbai, April 27
In a move to bridge the communication gap between commuters and public transport drivers, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday reiterated that all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state must possess a basic working knowledge of Marathi.
While the state government originally aimed to enforce this mandate starting May 1, 2026 (Maharashtra Day), the deadline is likely to be extended following requests from various driver unions.
The decision follows a high-level meeting at Mantralaya, chaired by Minister Sarnaik and attended by Sanjay Nirupam (Shinde-Sena), Shashank Rao (rickshaw union leader), and various union representatives.
During the discussion, several unions expressed support for the initiative but highlighted the practical difficulties of immediate implementation.
Some unions requested three months, while others sought a six-month window. A few representatives asked for up to 1 year to ensure drivers are adequately trained, the release said.
Minister Sarnaik maintained a firm yet supportive stance, emphasising that while the government is willing to assist, compliance is non-negotiable.
He said that he has not given a definitive word on the extension yet and that a meeting of 59 Regional Transport Officers has been called on Tuesday to finalise the timeline. He added that the government is ready to provide tutors and classes if required and is open to granting more time; however, 'arrogance' or refusal to learn will not be tolerated.
Minister Sarnaik said that a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at Parivahan Bhavan with Regional Transport Officer officials from across the state.
This meeting will determine the effective date of the mandate, the duration of the extension granted to drivers, and the framework for language proficiency tests or training modules.
The official announcement of the new deadline is expected from Minister Sarnaik following the Regional Transport Officer briefing.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena deputy leader Sanjay Nirupam told reporters that Marathi is not merely a language but the identity of the people, the soul of their culture, and the pride of Maharashtra.
He stated that a language must be learned with love, not imposed by compulsion, and added that Shiv Sena has unequivocally made it clear that there are no internal differences or divisions on this issue.
He said that Shiv Sena has always stood at the forefront in safeguarding and promoting the Marathi language and that it is through the party's sustained efforts that Marathi has gained recognition as a classical language at the national level.
He added that while the party remains uncompromising on the dignity of Marathi, it equally emphasises the importance of a humane and inclusive approach.
Nirupam noted that the current enforcement of this policy has created an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty among thousands of auto and taxi drivers.
He said that in a cosmopolitan city like Mumbai, a significant portion of drivers hail from different parts of India and, while they are willing to learn Marathi, they require adequate time and structured support to do so effectively.
He added that in this context, Shiv Sena has strongly demanded that the concerned Government Resolution be deferred for at least one year.
He said that during this period, drivers should be encouraged and supported through appropriate Marathi-language training programmes, and that the issue should be handled with sensitivity and practicality rather than coercion.
- IANS
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