Maharashtra to Reinstate Mandatory Marathi Language Requirement for Drivers
How the Marathi mandate got scrubbed from the rule book
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Maharashtra's transport department plans to reinstate the mandatory Marathi language requirement for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, which was inadvertently removed in 2007. A drive starting May 1 will assess drivers' language skills, with training and certification provided to help them comply.
- 01Mandatory knowledge of Marathi for drivers will be reinstated after being removed in 2007.
- 02A 107-day drive will assess drivers' language skills and compliance with transport rules.
- 03Training and certification in Marathi will be offered at RTO offices.
- 04Licences will not be cancelled for drivers lacking language skills initially.
- 05A report on the initiative will be submitted by August 16 to guide future policy.
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The Maharashtra transport department is set to reinstate the requirement for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to demonstrate knowledge of the Marathi language, a clause that was inadvertently altered in 2007. The state will conduct a 107-day drive from May 1 to August 15 to evaluate compliance with transport regulations, including language skills. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized the importance of knowing Marathi for business in Maharashtra and announced that training will be provided through partnerships with local literary organizations. While drivers lacking proficiency will not face immediate licence cancellations, they will be encouraged to attend classes at RTO offices. A report detailing the outcomes of this initiative is expected by August 16, which will inform future policy decisions.
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This initiative aims to improve communication between drivers and passengers, enhancing service quality in Maharashtra's transport sector.
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