Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced a special statewide verification drive from May 1 to August 15 to ensure the implementation of the state’s decision to make knowledge of Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers.

Speaking at a press conference, Sarnaik said the campaign will be conducted across all 59 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and will be overseen by a committee led by Additional Transport Commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad. He clarified that during this period, no punitive action such as licence cancellation will be taken solely for lack of Marathi proficiency, though enforcement against other violations and illegal transport operations will continue.

The minister emphasised that the drive is intended as a transition phase, giving drivers time to comply with the language requirement before stricter enforcement begins after the three-and-a-half-month period. He added that “if one wants to do business in Maharashtra, knowing Marathi is essential,” and claimed that auto and taxi unions have supported the move.

Citing a recent inspection in Mira-Bhayandar in Thane district, Sarnaik said 3,443 auto-rickshaws were checked, and 565 drivers were found unable to demonstrate knowledge of Marathi. However, he noted that many of them had expressed willingness to learn the language.

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As part of the initiative, RTO offices will provide training facilities for drivers, with support from Marathi literary organisations such as Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh. Study material, including booklets and digital resources, will be made available, and drivers who complete the training will receive government certificates required during licence renewal.

The committee will monitor progress daily and weekly, submitting a comprehensive report on the 100-day exercise on August 16, after which further policy decisions are expected.

The announcement has triggered political reactions. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut backed the requirement, suggesting it should be implemented from May 1 with up to six months’ grace for drivers to learn Marathi. He argued that those operating in Maharashtra should know the state language and criticised calls for delay as politically motivated.

Responding to other political voices, including Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam who sought a longer deferment, Raut said such demands reflected “vote bank politics,” and questioned why Marathi should not receive the same recognition as other state languages.