Maharashtra's Marathi Mandate: Learn the Language or Lose Your License!

Maharashtra has rolled out a strict new directive for auto and taxi drivers: learn Marathi or risk having your driving license suspended or even permanently cancelled. This move aims to ensure that public transport drivers are proficient in the local language, a requirement that has garnered significant attention across the state.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized that while no action will be taken against the more than 165,000 drivers who have already learned Marathi, strict measures await those who fail to comply. "Our government wants people to come here to work. If you say you won't learn Marathi, then it will not work," Sarnaik stated, indicating legal action against non-compliant individuals. Drivers who do not learn Marathi will face permanent suspension of their licenses after due process.

The process involves an initial notice period, followed by a three-month license suspension for those who still do not meet the requirement. Continued non-compliance after this period will lead to permanent cancellation of their license. This policy underscores the state's commitment to promoting its official language among public service providers.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde revealed that approximately 1.25 lakh auto and taxi drivers have already successfully completed a government-run Marathi language course and received their certificates. This achievement was highlighted at the concluding ceremony of the Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Course Campaign in Thane. Shinde characterized Marathi as a "language of devotion, not compulsion," advocating for learning the language out of affection rather than obligation. He also encouraged Marathi speakers to engage with non-Marathi speakers in Marathi to foster learning.

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