Maharashtra starts drive against auto, taxi drivers without Marathi knowledge on Aug 20

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Wednesday that a drive will begin on Thursday against auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers who do not have a working knowledge of Marathi. The action will target drivers who lack the required certificate or proficiency in the language.

According to the Minister, notices will first be issued to non-compliant drivers. If they fail to comply, their licence and badge may be suspended for three months. If they still do not meet the requirement within three months, orders for cancellation of their licence and badge will be issued.

The month-long drive will be led by Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad across the state. Regional Transport Office (RTO) flying squads have been instructed through a video conference to carry out checks and ensure implementation of the amended rules. The verification process will be recorded on video.

The action follows amendments to the state motor vehicle rules. Earlier, Mr. Sarnaik had said that drivers would be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any punitive action is taken. Under the amended rules, drivers receive a one-month notice to acquire a working knowledge of Marathi.

The ambiguous definition of 'working knowledge' has raised concerns among a large section of commercial passenger drivers from other parts of the country who lack proficiency in Marathi. D.M. Gosavi, leader of the Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi and Transport Union, said the term is not clearly defined, which could fuel corruption in the RTO and lead to financial exploitation of drivers.

The Minister stated that nearly six lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, will be brought under a Marathi-language learning initiative. He said more than 1.65 lakh drivers from across the state have already come forward to participate in the initiative launched a few months ago. The Marathi Language Department will collaborate with the Transport Department to strengthen the initiative.

Explaining the rationale, the Shiv Sena MLA said the government wants people to learn the language and has decided to continue the project. The transport department has urged drivers to utilise the learning period to comply with the requirement.