Marathi crackdown: Auto and cab drivers now have a year to learn language
The Maharashtra government announced on Thursday a one-year grace period for auto and taxi drivers who do not speak Marathi, the state's primary language. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that no action would be taken against these drivers during the period. The decision followed a meeting between the chief minister and representatives from auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers' organizations, who argued that the mandatory Marathi proficiency requirement was challenging for drivers from various age groups and those with limited formal education.
Fadnavis stated that the government would provide assistance to drivers by arranging classes and study material to help them learn basic Marathi. The move comes after an inspection by the Mira Bhayandar Regional Transport Office (RTO) found that several auto drivers lacked basic Marathi proficiency. The government had earlier made it mandatory for all non-Marathi auto and taxi drivers in the state to learn the basics, but the new one-year extension puts the condition on hold for a year.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
