Stories
Learn Marathi By August 2027 Or Face Action: Maharashtra Minister Issues Final Warning
- •Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik urged non-Marathi speaking auto and taxi drivers to use the extended deadline until August 2027 to learn basic Marathi.
- •The second phase of the Marathi language training programme runs from October 2 to January 23, with 100 new training batches beginning to help drivers comply with the legal requirement.
- •Sarnaik emphasized that the one-year extension is the final opportunity given by the government and not a cancellation of the mandatory language rule.
- •The transport minister also announced a phased nine-month window for bike taxi aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to transition their fleets to 100 percent electric vehicles.
Key Questions Answered
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that August 2027 is the final deadline and last extension given by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for non-Marathi-speaking autorickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire basic functional knowledge of Marathi. Drivers have been urged to use this period to comply with the requirement, as no further extensions will be granted after August.
To help drivers meet the requirement, the second phase of the state's Marathi language training programme features 100 new batches designed to train non-Marathi-speaking drivers. The program utilizes numerous training centres and teachers across the state, building upon a large number of drivers who have already been issued completion certificates.
Following a proposal approved by the state Cabinet, the Maharashtra government has provided a phased nine-month window for ride-hailing aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to transition their bike taxis to 100 per cent electric vehicles. This initiative aims to make Maharashtra cleaner and reduce pollution, with warnings that action will be taken against operators who fail to comply.
