Maharashtra Grants Drivers One Year to Learn Marathi

The Maharashtra government has granted autorickshaw and taxi drivers across the state a one-year period to acquire functional knowledge of Marathi, suspending immediate punitive measures that had sparked protests and a legal challenge. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision on August 27, 2026, following a meeting with driver representatives who sought more time to comply with the language requirement.

The announcement comes just days after a statewide enforcement drive began on August 20, 2026. During roadside assessments, Regional Transport Office teams tested drivers on practical communication skills, such as discussing fares, routes, and destinations. On the first day, 8,217 drivers were evaluated, and 1,268 were issued notices for inadequate Marathi proficiency. Under the original framework, drivers had one month to improve their skills or face a potential three-month suspension of their driving badges.

The enforcement triggered protests in several Mumbai neighborhoods, including Kandivali, Malad, and Andheri, disrupting commuter services. Driver unions argued that the short deadline was impractical, especially for older workers with limited formal...