Maharashtra Enforces 'Practical Marathi' for Taxi and Rickshaw Drivers

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik convenes a pivotal meeting with rickshaw and taxi driver unions, aiming to enforce Marathi language proficiency among drivers. Starting May 1, this initiative will include verifying drivers' documentation and language skills to promote the regional language and address licencing irregularities.

Maharashtra's Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, has initiated a meeting with representatives from various rickshaw and taxi driver associations. The purpose is to discuss the mandatory implementation of 'practical Marathi' for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers in the state. The meeting will also include prominent labour leaders such as Sanjay Nirupam and Shashank Sharad Rao.

Previously, Sarnaik announced that Marathi language knowledge would be required for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across Maharashtra. Starting May 1, the state intends to verify documentations and assess drivers' Marathi proficiency. The decision follows efforts to propagate the Marathi language among transport workers, with educational sessions by Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad.

On a related note, Transport Minister Sarnaik emphasized the importance of spoken Marathi, announcing a campaign to eliminate fake documents and verify language skills beginning May 1. Drivers must demonstrate the ability to speak and understand Marathi, although writing is not mandatory. This project, aiming to minimize licencing irregularities, will be implemented across the state.