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Politics
Maharashtra to Make Marathi Mandatory for Cab Drivers, Licences at Risk
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 13 Aug 2026, 03:37 PM
👁 20
The Maharashtra government has announced a new rule that will require cab drivers to be proficient in Marathi. Drivers who fail to meet the language requirement may face suspension of their operating licences.
The Maharashtra government has introduced a new rule that will make Marathi language proficiency mandatory for all cab drivers operating within the state. The directive, which is aimed at improving communication between drivers and passengers, states that drivers who cannot demonstrate adequate knowledge of Marathi may face suspension of their operating licences.
The policy is part of a broader effort to standardise service quality in the transport sector. Officials say that a common language will reduce misunderstandings and enhance safety for commuters.
Details on how compliance will be verified and the timeline for enforcement are still being finalised. However, the government has warned that failure to meet the new requirement could result in immediate licence suspension.
The announcement has sparked debate among transport unions and opposition parties, some of whom argue that the rule could disproportionately affect drivers from non-Marathi speaking backgrounds.
The policy is part of a broader effort to standardise service quality in the transport sector. Officials say that a common language will reduce misunderstandings and enhance safety for commuters.
Details on how compliance will be verified and the timeline for enforcement are still being finalised. However, the government has warned that failure to meet the new requirement could result in immediate licence suspension.
The announcement has sparked debate among transport unions and opposition parties, some of whom argue that the rule could disproportionately affect drivers from non-Marathi speaking backgrounds.