The transport department has initiated statewide inspections, leading to notices being issued to over 4,000 drivers. This action follows the recent implementation of Marathi proficiency checks, which some drivers failed to meet. The decision highlights ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with language requirements in the transport sector.
The decision comes just days after the transport department, headed by Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik, launched statewide inspections and issued notices to over 4,000 drivers who failed Marathi proficiency checks. The Marathi language requirement was announced in April, with non-Marathi drivers initially expected to acquire basic language skills by August 15. The issue gained prominence after transport minister Pratap Sarnaik revealed that 1,268 commercial passenger vehicle drivers, mainly autorickshaw and taxi operators, were served notices during the first day of a statewide inspection drive on August 20.
Since then, RTOs, literary groups, and transport authorities have conducted training sessions across the state. Mumbai: In a significant relief for thousands of autorickshaw and taxi drivers across Maharashtra , chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced a one-year grace period for drivers to acquire working knowledge of Marathi, temporarily easing tensions over the state’s language compliance drive.
Earlier reporting noted: Learn Marathi in 1 year: Maharashtra govt extends deadline for auto, taxi drivers CM fadnavis said that no action will be taken against drivers during one year for not having the required knowledge of the state’s official language. The Ekanth Shinde-led Shiv Sena seems to have introduced the Marathi diktat to take on Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS’s Marathi manoos card, which helped the latter dent the deputy CM’s party in the BMC polls, according to political observers.
Addressing reporters after meeting representatives of auto and taxi associations led by BJP transport union leader Haji Arfat Shaikh, Fadnavis said the drivers supported the government’s objective of ensuring that commercial passenger vehicle operators can communicate with commuters in basic Marathi. They requested more time, and the government has decided to grant them one year,” the CM said. Earlier reporting noted: He said that no action will be taken against drivers during this period for not having the required knowledge of the state’s official language.
However, BJP, which enjoyed support of migrant taxi and auto drivers, was reportedly upset over the compulsory Marathi diktat, the observers added. “The drivers are willing to learn Marathi. However, many belong to different age groups and left formal education years ago. Fadnavis clarified that no punitive action would be taken against drivers during this period for lacking the required Marathi proficiency. The government has now decided to organise Marathi classes and provide study material to help drivers learn commonly used phrases needed for daily interactions with passengers.
Earlier reporting noted: MUMBAI: Maharashtra government has decided to give auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers one year to learn functional Marathi, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Thursday.