Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said Marathi will receive priority while emphasizing that people who speak other languages should not be treated unfairly .
He said regional identity and every person’s mother tongue should be respected, while all Indian languages should also be given due respect.
His remarks came amid discussion over a requirement for passenger-transport drivers to have a working knowledge of Marathi to obtain or retain their driving licences.
Basic Marathi requirement for drivers
Under the amended motor vehicle rules, autorickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers are required to have a working knowledge of Marathi. Drivers who do not meet the requirement can face suspension of their licences for up to three months, while repeated violations can result in cancellation.
Fadnavis said the requirement had been portrayed as an attempt to impose Marathi, but described it as a basic, functional language requirement intended to help drivers communicate with passengers.
The requirement focuses on simple everyday phrases rather than fluency.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the rule is intended to ensure that passenger-vehicle drivers can communicate effectively with commuters, understand their concerns and provide safe and convenient service.
The government has also emphasized that the language requirement should not result in discrimination against people who speak other languages.
