Eknath Shinde gave the certificates for courses conducted by Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh for non-Marathi autorickshaw and taxi drivers
These classes were held at 72 locations across the state as well as in the offices of various organisations and Shiv Sena shakhas. In May, Sarnaik had announced the starting of ‘practical Marathi training’ classes for non-Marathi autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn practical Marathi in collaboration with Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad.
Taking a dig at the Bhojpuri songs played at the event during his speech, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik of Sena said: “We had told MLA Prakash Surve that some of our non-Marathi rickshaw-taxi drivers would be coming for the event. We had told him that we should have a Hindi and Bhojpuri programme for drivers from North India, Gujarat and South India. However, we had said that when we come on the stage, we should have a programme that celebrates Marathi. Certificates are being given to those who complete the training,” officials said.
“These classes were conducted both online and offline, and a four-hour training was provided.