Maharashtra Launches Marathi Proficiency Drive For Auto-Rickshaw, Taxi Drivers

The Maharashtra Transport Department will launch a campaign from August 20 to check the Marathi language proficiency of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across the state.

According to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, drivers who fail to meet the language requirement will be given nearly one month to improve their Marathi proficiency.

However, if they fail to comply or show no improvement within the given time period, their licences will be suspended for three months. If they still fail to learn Marathi despite being given sufficient time, the provision to permanently cancel their licences will be initiated.

The rule requiring practical knowledge of Marathi to drive auto-rickshaws and taxis in the state has been in place since 1989. The decision to enforce this rule is aimed at promoting, propagating, and nurturing the Marathi language.

Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials will verify applicants' practical knowledge of Marathi through direct conversations while issuing new licences and badges. The process will also be recorded on video, and badges will be issued based on the assessment.

There are nearly 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi licences and badges issued across the state. The Maharashtra Transport Department has also taken note of complaints regarding the alleged use of fake domicile certificates to obtain auto-rickshaw and taxi licences or badges.

RTO officials have been instructed to conduct necessary on-site verification and police inquiries to ascertain whether the concerned individuals have been residing in Maharashtra for the past few years.

The decision to enforce the Marathi language rule is also seen as a measure to preserve the pride of the Marathi language and culture, while also promoting employment opportunities for citizens from various parts of the country.

The campaign is set to begin on August 20, and drivers are advised to improve their Marathi proficiency to avoid any action against their licences.

The move is expected to have a significant impact on the transport sector in Maharashtra, with thousands of drivers required to meet the new language requirement.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on promoting the Marathi language and culture in the state. The enforcement of the Marathi language rule for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers is seen as a step in this direction.

The Maharashtra Transport Department's decision is also expected to be closely watched by other states, which may consider similar measures to promote their local languages.

Overall, the campaign is aimed at promoting the Marathi language and ensuring that drivers in the state are proficient in the language.

The significance of this move lies in its potential to promote the Marathi language and culture, while also ensuring that drivers in the state are able to communicate effectively with their passengers.