Speak Marathi to stay in driver’s seat: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that non-Marathi speaking rickshaw and taxi drivers must learn basic Marathi by May 1. This decision follows a strike call from these drivers and aims to ensure effective communication with passengers. Sarnaik emphasized that a working knowledge of Marathi is essential for conducting business in the state, while also assuring that no one would lose their job due to this requirement.
- ▪Non-Marathi speaking drivers must learn basic Marathi by May 1.
- ▪The decision follows a strike call from non-Marathi speaking drivers.
- ▪Minister Sarnaik stated that a working knowledge of Marathi is necessary for business in Maharashtra.
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Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday (April 27, 2026) said that non-Marathi speaking rickshaw and taxi drivers across the State will have to speak basic Marathi from May 1. The announcement followed a meeting with union representatives at the Mantralaya.The decision comes after a strike call issued by non-Marathi speaking drivers for May 4, which had sparked a controversy. Mr. Sarnaik said the unions have agreed to the language requirement, but have sought extensions of three months, six months, or a year. Marathi made mandatory for auto, taxi drivers in Maharashtra from May 1Speaking after the meeting, Mr.
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