Regional Transport Offices throughout Maharashtra on Thursday began an initiative to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers’ practical knowledge of Marathi, with officials directing teams to record the process on video, according to authorities.
Officials stated that the campaign is being carried out in accordance with the Motor Vehicle rules issued on August 12, which mandate that these public transport drivers possess a functional knowledge of Marathi.
On Wednesday, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik declared a month-long campaign to assess the Marathi language skills of drivers throughout the state and instructed RTOs to record the process on video.
Officials stated that Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad will supervise the statewide campaign, and RTO flying squads have been directed to carry out inspections.
Sarnaik stated that drivers who do not meet the required language proficiency will first be given a chance to learn it.
If they still fail to comply, their licence and badge will be suspended for three months, and persistent non-compliance may result in the cancellation of both the licence and the badge, he said on Wednesday.
The minister stated that the government has no intention of harming anyone’s livelihood, but aims to safeguard the Marathi language along with the state’s identity and cultural heritage.
He stated that 1.65 lakh drivers had already completed Marathi training and received certificates during a 105-day campaign, which was met with a positive response.
A senior official at the Tardeo RTO in Mumbai stated that flying squads have also been instructed to act in accordance with the directive issued by the transport commissioner’s office the previous day.
Another official at the Andheri RTO office told PTI that they have also started evaluating the Marathi language skills of autorickshaw and taxi drivers when they come to renew their vehicles’ fitness certificates.
Transport unions have nonetheless cautioned that they may launch protests if drivers encounter financial difficulties or are reportedly subjected to exploitation during the implementation of the rule.
According to Sarnaik, the requirement of practical Marathi knowledge for operating autos and taxis has existed in Maharashtra since 1989 but had not been strictly enforced. The provision will now be implemented strictly under a relevant legal amendment made on August 12.