Notices issued to 1,268 drivers in Maharashtra over lack of working knowledge of Marathi

The Maharashtra government has issued notices to 1,268 commercial passenger vehicle drivers, primarily auto rickshaw and taxi drivers, for lacking sufficient knowledge of the Marathi language. This action follows a state-wide checking program on Thursday in which 8,217 drivers were tested, with 604 in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and 664 outside the region failing to meet the criteria.

The notices are valid for a one-month period, after which drivers' badges will be suspended for three months if they continue to lack working knowledge of Marathi.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized that possessing Marathi proficiency is crucial for passenger convenience and safety. The government introduced a Marathi proficiency course for non-Marathi drivers and set the deadline of August 15 for them to acquire the necessary language skills. During the Thursday testing drive, drivers were asked 16 questions related to their work scenarios, such as responding to passengers' needs for directions, fares, meter usage, and taxi or autorickshaw stands.

If drivers fail to pass the test within the one-month period, their badges will be suspended for three months, and they will have another month to improve their language skills. The transport department has directed officials to record videos of the checking process. Sarnaik assured that the move does not aim to take away drivers' livelihood but aims to preserve Marathi language and the state's cultural identity.

The state government had amended the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to implement this requirement. Some taxi and autorickshaw driver union leaders expressed concerns over the undefined term "working knowledge" of Marathi, fearing potential corruption in the RTOs' processes.