‘I attended classes but can’t speak’: 1,268 auto and cab drivers get notices on Day 1 of Marathi test

On the first day of Marathi proficiency testing, 1,268 auto and cab drivers received notices in Mumbai, with the Maharashtra Transport Department enforcing the requirement that drivers demonstrate basic Marathi understanding for passenger interactions. The tests, conducted at Dadar’s Swaminarayan Temple, involved officials questioning drivers about common topics such as destinations, fares, travel time, and UPI payments.

By the end of the day, 8,217 drivers across Maharashtra had been assessed, with 604 drivers among the 3,995 tested in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region failing to pass the 15-16 question evaluation. Taxi driver Arvind Mourya, who had attended Marathi classes, expressed confidence in improving his skills, while Iqbal Ahmed acknowledged his busy schedule as the reason for missing the classes.

Officials emphasized that the assessment was not meant to test fluency but rather to determine if drivers could understand and respond to basic Marathi requests. Drivers given the notice have one month to learn Marathi, after which they must demonstrate proficiency or face suspension of their badge for up to three months. The Transport Department will continue enforcement until September 30, stressing that the aim is to ensure drivers can effectively communicate with passengers in Marathi, not to undermine their livelihoods.