Maharashtra Grants Drivers One Year to Learn Marathi

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on August 27, 2026, that taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers have one year to achieve functional proficiency in Marathi. The extension follows a period of tension after the state government set an initial August 15 deadline, with the transport department beginning enforcement actions on August 20. These early measures, which included three-month license suspensions and permit cancellations, triggered panic and flash protests among migrant drivers.

The decision overrules a stricter initial stance by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who had previously issued notices to hundreds of drivers. Fadnavis granted the reprieve after meeting with driver organizations that argued the original deadline was unfeasible due to varying ages and educational backgrounds. To support the transition, the government will provide study materials and organize Marathi classes.

On August 29, the Bombay High Court disposed of a petition filed by cab drivers who argued the mandate violated fundamental constitutional rights and exceeded the scope of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The court's action followed the government's decision to extend the deadline. While some drivers welcome the extension, others continue to question the necessity of the rule given the prevalence of Hindi in the region.