More than 100,000 drivers in Maharashtra have reportedly learned Marathi, highlighting the growing focus on language proficiency among the state’s driving workforce.

However, not all of those who have learned the language have been tested or formally certified, creating a gap between language training and official certification.

The development comes amid Maharashtra’s wider efforts to promote Marathi-language proficiency among drivers and improve communication with passengers and commuters.

The numbers raise questions about how many drivers have completed the required testing process, how certification is being implemented and what the next steps will be for those who remain uncertified.


Maharashtra: basic Marathi compulsory for rickshaw, auto & cab drivers 

Maharashtra authorities have introduced a new requirement making it mandatory for drivers to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Marathi. The move aims to improve communication and ensure better compliance with local regulations for transport workers in the state.


India: Drivers Must Show Proficiency in Reading, Writing, Speaking Marathi

Marathi actor Sachin Chandwade, best known for his role in Netflix’s Jamtara 2, has tragically passed away at the age of 25. Found at his residence in Parola, Jalgaon, on October 23, 2025, Sachin was rushed to a hospital but succumbed in the early hours of October 24.

Marathi Cinema Mourns: Sachin Chandwade of Jamtara 2 Dead at 25

A viral video showing a group being assaulted in Maharashtra’s Thane has triggered a massive Marathi vs non-Marathi controversy. The name of a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has cropped up in the row and his aides are being accused of facilitating the assault on camera.The video surfaced on the internet amid a raging language row triggered by MNS workers’ assault of a shopkeeper for not being able to speak in Marathi.<h2>How did the Thane row start?</h2>Kiran Tanaji Sawant, 43, asked a mobile phone shop owner to charge his cellphone. However, the shopkeeper couldn’t do it because of a technical glitch. The minor issue soon snowballed into a fist-fight. Sawant later accused the shopkeeper and his aides of thrashing him. He also sustained some injuries, reported NDTV.Sawant later filed a complaint with the police, which registered a case against the shopowner under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The police detained the four accused but later released them.He later approached the office of former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare who also heard the version of the shop staff. However, one of his aides interjected and asked a staff member to speak in Marathi.“Marathi mein bol, Marathi ko mara na? Marathi mein bol (Speak in Marathi. Didn’t you hit a Marathi? Now, speak in Marathi),” he added.The viral video further shows Kiran Sawant allegedly assaulting the shop staff as they bowed before him to apologise. They were made to hold their ears, a gesture denoting regret, and say that they had committed a mistake.Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray, meanwhile, played down the controversy.“Regarding the viral video involving Rajan Vichare ji, I called and spoke to him. He clarified that the dispute was not between Marathi and non-Marathi individuals. It started when an office-bearer was not allowed to charge his phone, which led to an argument and eventually a physical altercation. It’s important to note that this issue is not about anyone’s regional identity,” he told reporters.Reacting to the row, Maharashtra minister Yogesh Kadam said those who disrespect Marathi will be prosecuted according to the law.“In Maharashtra, you have to speak Marathi. If you don’t know Marathi, your attitude shouldn’t be that you won’t speak Marathi... If anyone disrespects Marathi in Maharashtra, we will enforce our laws. Those who beat up (the shop owner) should not take the law into their own hands. They should have filed a complaint against the concerned person; action would have been taken,” he said.<h2>Marathi vs non-Marathi assault in Mumbai</h2>Earlier this week, a shopkeeper in Mumbai was assaulted by MNS workers for not speaking to them in Marathi. An FIR was registered by the police in connection with the assault, and a video of the incident was widely circulated on social media.The victim of the assault, Babulal Chaudhary, is the owner of the ‘Jodhpur Sweet Shop’ in Mumbai’s Mira Road suburb.He said the men came to buy water from his shop and then asked him to speak in Marathi if he wanted to continue working in Maharashtra. They slapped him and recorded the act on camera.

The video surfaced on the internet amid a raging language row triggered by MNS workers’ assault of a shopkeeper for not being able to speak in Marathi.

A viral video showing a group being assaulted in Maharashtra’s Thane has triggered a massive Marathi vs non-Marathi controversy. The name of a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has cropped up in the row and his aides are being accused of facilitating the assault on camera. The video surfaced on the internet amid a raging language row triggered by MNS workers’ assault of a shopkeeper for not being able to speak in Marathi. How did the Thane row start? Kiran Tanaji Sawant, 43, asked a mobile phone shop owner to charge his cellphone. However, the shopkeeper couldn’t do it because of a technical glitch. The minor issue soon snowballed into a fist-fight. Sawant later accused the shopkeeper and his aides of thrashing him. He also sustained some injuries, reported NDTV. Sawant later filed a complaint with the police, which registered a case against the shopowner under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The police detained the four accused but later released them. He later approached the office of former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare who also heard the version of the shop staff. However, one of his aides interjected and asked a staff member to speak in Marathi. “Marathi mein bol, Marathi ko mara na? Marathi mein bol (Speak in Marathi. Didn’t you hit a Marathi? Now, speak in Marathi),” he added. The viral video further shows Kiran Sawant allegedly assaulting the shop staff as they bowed before him to apologise. They were made to hold their ears, a gesture denoting regret, and say that they had committed a mistake. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray, meanwhile, played down the controversy. “Regarding the viral video involving Rajan Vichare ji, I called and spoke to him. He clarified that the dispute was not between Marathi and non-Marathi individuals. It started when an office-bearer was not allowed to charge his phone, which led to an argument and eventually a physical altercation. It’s important to note that this issue is not about anyone’s regional identity,” he told reporters. Reacting to the row, Maharashtra minister Yogesh Kadam said those who disrespect Marathi will be prosecuted according to the law. “In Maharashtra, you have to speak Marathi. If you don’t know Marathi, your attitude shouldn’t be that you won’t speak Marathi... If anyone disrespects Marathi in Maharashtra, we will enforce our laws. Those who beat up (the shop owner) should not take the law into their own hands. They should have filed a complaint against the concerned person; action would have been taken,” he said. Marathi vs non-Marathi assault in Mumbai Earlier this week, a shopkeeper in Mumbai was assaulted by MNS workers for not speaking to them in Marathi. An FIR was registered by the police in connection with the assault, and a video of the incident was widely circulated on social media. The victim of the assault, Babulal Chaudhary, is the owner of the ‘Jodhpur Sweet Shop’ in Mumbai’s Mira Road suburb. He said the men came to buy water from his shop and then asked him to speak in Marathi if he wanted to continue working in Maharashtra. They slapped him and recorded the act on camera.

The video surfaced on the internet amid a raging language row triggered by MNS workers’ assault of a shopkeeper for not being able to speak in Marathi.

Phone charging, apology, assault: What triggered Marathi vs non-Marathi row in Thane

In a shocking turn of events, Marathi actor Urmila Kothare's car ran over two labourers in Mumbai&rsquo;s Kandivali early on Saturday morning (Dec 28).
Kothare was in the car returning when the accident happened. She was returning from the shoot when the car hit two metro labourers, leaving one dead and the other injured.&nbsp;
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The incident took place at midnight near Poisar Metro station on Saturday when the actress was heading towards her home in Thane and her driver allegedly lost control and hit the metro labourers. Urmila and her driver have sustained injuries in the accident. However, they were saved by the airbag deployment on time.&nbsp;
The case has been filed in Tte Samata Nagar Police against the driver and the police are currently investigating the case.&nbsp;
A police official told News agency PIT, ''Kothare&rsquo;s car hit two labourers who were engaged in Metro rail work under the Poisar Metro station in Kandivali east shortly after midnight. While one labourer died, another was seriously injured. The actor and her driver were also injured in the accident. But they were saved as the airbags opened at the right time.''
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Kothare's car was severely damaged in the accident. The photos show that the front portion of the car is completely wrecked. No statement has been released from the actress team yet.&nbsp;
For the unversed, she's a well-known Marathi actress and has worked in films and shows like Duniyadaari, Shubhmangal Saavdhan, and Tujech Mi Geet Gaat Ahe among others.&nbsp;

Marathi actor Urmila Kothare was returning from the shoot when the accident took place. The car hit two metro labourers, leaving one dead and the other injured. 

In a shocking turn of events, Marathi actor Urmila Kothare's car ran over two labourers in Mumbai’s Kandivali early on Saturday morning (Dec 28). Kothare was in the car returning when the accident happened. She was returning from the shoot when the car hit two metro labourers, leaving one dead and the other injured. Also read: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir speaks out on verbal abuse by US event organizers: 'Was called names, told to get out' The incident took place at midnight near Poisar Metro station on Saturday when the actress was heading towards her home in Thane and her driver allegedly lost control and hit the metro labourers. Urmila and her driver have sustained injuries in the accident. However, they were saved by the airbag deployment on time. The case has been filed in Tte Samata Nagar Police against the driver and the police are currently investigating the case. A police official told News agency PIT, ''Kothare’s car hit two labourers who were engaged in Metro rail work under the Poisar Metro station in Kandivali east shortly after midnight. While one labourer died, another was seriously injured. The actor and her driver were also injured in the accident. But they were saved as the airbags opened at the right time.'' Also read: Sikandar teaser: Salman Khan's action has swag and style | Watch Kothare's car was severely damaged in the accident. The photos show that the front portion of the car is completely wrecked. No statement has been released from the actress team yet. For the unversed, she's a well-known Marathi actress and has worked in films and shows like Duniyadaari, Shubhmangal Saavdhan, and Tujech Mi Geet Gaat Ahe among others.

Marathi actor Urmila Kothare’s car accidentally runs over 2 labourers in Mumbai, 1 killed

The Union Cabinet has granted classical language status to five more&nbsp;Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday. This decision will almost double the number of recognized classical languages, bringing the total from six to 11.

"The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. The Classical Languages serve as a custodian of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestone," said the government in an official statement.

"The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally," the statement continued.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kept-in-loop-as-mauritius-uk-agree-on-indian-ocean-archipelagos-future-764247">India kept in loop as Mauritius, UK agree on Indian Ocean archipelago's future</a>

The concept of "Classical Languages" was first introduced by the government on October 12, 2004, with Tamil being the inaugural language to receive the honour, followed by Sanskrit in 2005. Other languages like Kannada and Telugu were added in 2008, Malayalam in 2013, and Odia in 2014.

To qualify as a classical language, a language must have a history and literary tradition that dates back at least 1500–2000 years, along with a significant collection of ancient texts that continue to be valued. Additionally, the language should possess a unique literary heritage, not derived from any other language, and there should be a clear distinction between the classical language and its modern versions or dialects.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "Our Government cherishes and celebrates India's rich history and culture. We have also been unwavering in our commitment to popularising regional languages. I am extremely glad the Cabinet has decided that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit will be conferred the status of Classical Languages! Each of them are beautiful languages, highlighting our vibrant diversity. Congratulations to everyone"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/address-issues-in-us-india-roasts-us-agency-alleging-abuses-against-religious-minorities-764233">India roasts US agency alleging abuses against religious minorities</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, responding to the news that Bengali had received classical language status, wrote &nbsp;on X: "Most happy to share that Bengali/ Bangla has been finally accorded the status of a classical language by Government of India. We had been trying to snatch this recognition from Ministry of Culture, GOI and we had submitted three volumes of research findings in favour of our contention. Union government has accepted our well-researched claim today evening and we finally reach the cultural apex in the body of languages in India."

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also thanked the Prime Minister, saying, "Thank you Hon’ble Prime Minister for this decision. Your love and affection for the Assamese language and culture is unparalleled and the people of Assam will be forever indebted to you for recognising our beautiful mother tongue as a Classical language."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Union Cabinet has granted classical language status to five more Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday.

The Union Cabinet has granted classical language status to five more Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday. This decision will almost double the number of recognized classical languages, bringing the total from six to 11. "The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. The Classical Languages serve as a custodian of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestone," said the government in an official statement. "The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally," the statement continued. Also read: India kept in loop as Mauritius, UK agree on Indian Ocean archipelago's future The concept of "Classical Languages" was first introduced by the government on October 12, 2004, with Tamil being the inaugural language to receive the honour, followed by Sanskrit in 2005. Other languages like Kannada and Telugu were added in 2008, Malayalam in 2013, and Odia in 2014. To qualify as a classical language, a language must have a history and literary tradition that dates back at least 1500–2000 years, along with a significant collection of ancient texts that continue to be valued. Additionally, the language should possess a unique literary heritage, not derived from any other language, and there should be a clear distinction between the classical language and its modern versions or dialects. Following the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "Our Government cherishes and celebrates India's rich history and culture. We have also been unwavering in our commitment to popularising regional languages. I am extremely glad the Cabinet has decided that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit will be conferred the status of Classical Languages! Each of them are beautiful languages, highlighting our vibrant diversity. Congratulations to everyone" Also read: India roasts US agency alleging abuses against religious minorities West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, responding to the news that Bengali had received classical language status, wrote on X: "Most happy to share that Bengali/ Bangla has been finally accorded the status of a classical language by Government of India. We had been trying to snatch this recognition from Ministry of Culture, GOI and we had submitted three volumes of research findings in favour of our contention. Union government has accepted our well-researched claim today evening and we finally reach the cultural apex in the body of languages in India." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also thanked the Prime Minister, saying, "Thank you Hon’ble Prime Minister for this decision. Your love and affection for the Assamese language and culture is unparalleled and the people of Assam will be forever indebted to you for recognising our beautiful mother tongue as a Classical language." (With inputs from agencies)

Union govt grants ‘classical language’ status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit

Maharashtra Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-uddhav-thackeray-announces-rs-2-lakh-loan-waiver-for-poor-farmers-269479">Uddhav Thackeray</a> on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should personally intervene and instruct the concerned authorities to give Marathi language elite status.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Thackeray said: "On November 16, 2013, a proposal was submitted to the central government on the basis of a report by an expert committee established by the government of Maharashtra regarding grant of status of elite language to Marathi."

"The Marathi language fulfils the criteria required to attain elite language status. Despite repeatedly pursuing elite language status, the matter is pending with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the central government," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/politicians-pay-tribute-to-bal-thackeray-on-his-seventh-death-anniversary-262697">Thackeray</a> further said that the concerned department has reported the matter to the Literature Academy's Language Committee for consideration.

Since the matter has been pending for a long time, the Prime Minister should himself intervene and ensure that the Marathi language is given elite status, he added.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should personally intervene and instruct the concerned authorities to give Marathi language elite status.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should personally intervene and instruct the concerned authorities to give Marathi language elite status. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Thackeray said: "On November 16, 2013, a proposal was submitted to the central government on the basis of a report by an expert committee established by the government of Maharashtra regarding grant of status of elite language to Marathi." "The Marathi language fulfils the criteria required to attain elite language status. Despite repeatedly pursuing elite language status, the matter is pending with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the central government," he added. Thackeray further said that the concerned department has reported the matter to the Literature Academy's Language Committee for consideration. Since the matter has been pending for a long time, the Prime Minister should himself intervene and ensure that the Marathi language is given elite status, he added.

Maharashtra: CM Thackeray writes to PM Modi seeking elite status for Marathi language

As the country celebrates the spring festival of Gudi Padwa, Mumbai witnessed a colourful parade of women bikers clad in traditional Marathi attire to commemorate the new year for Marathi Hindus.

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Women ride two wheelers wearing traditional Maharashtrian sarees in Mumbai&#39;s Girgaon during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GudiPadwa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GudiPadwa</a> celebrations. <a href="https://t.co/V8o4ng927Q">pic.twitter.com/V8o4ng927Q</a>
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Women in Mumbai&#39;s Girgaon area took to the streets, riding two-wheelers in traditional Maharashtrian sarees. Some pinions carried elaborate parasols to save themselves from the scorching heat and add more drama to their grand avatar.

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Every year, Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra and adjoining regions on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calender.&nbsp;

The day marks the onset of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.&nbsp;

The day marks the onset of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar

As the country celebrates the spring festival of Gudi Padwa, Mumbai witnessed a colourful parade of women bikers clad in traditional Marathi attire to commemorate the new year for Marathi Hindus. Women ride two wheelers wearing traditional Maharashtrian sarees in Mumbai's Girgaon during #GudiPadwa celebrations. pic.twitter.com/V8o4ng927Q — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × Women in Mumbai's Girgaon area took to the streets, riding two-wheelers in traditional Maharashtrian sarees. Some pinions carried elaborate parasols to save themselves from the scorching heat and add more drama to their grand avatar. #WATCH: Women ride two wheelers wearing traditional Maharashtrian sarees in Mumbai's Girgaon during #GudiPadwa celebrations. pic.twitter.com/jUVk0lSXhP — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × Every year, Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra and adjoining regions on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calender. The day marks the onset of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.

Mumbai: Saree-clad biker women take to streets to celebrate Gudi Padwa

Indian actress who has earned global recognition for her contribution to entertainment industry both in India and abroad, Priyanka Chopra has been running on a high ever since she made it big in Hollywood with Quantico, Baywatch and other projects.&nbsp;

The desi star was in India for a fortnight-long holiday in which she participated in an awards gala, attended a special UNICEF conference and took some personal time off with family and friends.

In the middle of her leisure time in India, the Quantico star also finalised her next production -- a Marathi film titled &quot;Firebrand&quot;.&nbsp;

This follows her National Award for her maiden Marathi production &quot;Ventilator&quot;&nbsp;in 2016 and &quot;Kay Re Rascala&quot;&nbsp;in 2017.&nbsp;

Helmed by Aruna Raje of Rihaee (1988) and Gehrayee (1980) fame, &quot;Firebrand&quot;&nbsp;features actors like Usha Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, Sachin Khedekar and Rajeshwari Sachdev.

Talking about the film, Rajeshwari said, &quot;I&#39;m glad that Priyanka and Madhu Chopra are focussing on regional cinema.&quot;&nbsp;

Firebrand goes on floors on Monday and revolves around two couples and their contemporary relationships.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Quantico star got National Award for her maiden Marathi production 'Ventilator' in 2016 followed by "Kay Re Rascala" in 2017

Indian actress who has earned global recognition for her contribution to entertainment industry both in India and abroad, Priyanka Chopra has been running on a high ever since she made it big in Hollywood with Quantico, Baywatch and other projects. The desi star was in India for a fortnight-long holiday in which she participated in an awards gala, attended a special UNICEF conference and took some personal time off with family and friends. In the middle of her leisure time in India, the Quantico star also finalised her next production -- a Marathi film titled "Firebrand". This follows her National Award for her maiden Marathi production "Ventilator" in 2016 and "Kay Re Rascala" in 2017. Helmed by Aruna Raje of Rihaee (1988) and Gehrayee (1980) fame, "Firebrand" features actors like Usha Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, Sachin Khedekar and Rajeshwari Sachdev. Talking about the film, Rajeshwari said, "I'm glad that Priyanka and Madhu Chopra are focussing on regional cinema." Firebrand goes on floors on Monday and revolves around two couples and their contemporary relationships.

Priyanka Chopra gears up for next Marathi production, 'Firebrand'

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