Overview
- Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers who cannot show basic Marathi after August 15 will face a Rs 500 first-offence fine rather than instant permit cancellation.
- The government is partnering with Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh to give drivers a conversational handbook and is paying Rs 100 for each 30‑minute lesson.
- A statewide verification drive across all 59 Regional Transport Offices is testing drivers’ working knowledge of Marathi required under Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules.
- A citywide sample by the Indian Express found nearly 60% of commuters oppose a compulsory Marathi rule, with many saying driver behaviour, safety and route knowledge matter more than language.
- Mumbai and its suburbs have about 280,000 auto‑rickshaw permits and 20,000 taxi permits, driver unions say the rule should not apply to existing permit holders, and some drivers have begun informal practice to prepare.