7,750 Maharashtra auto drivers fail Marathi test, 17,427 pending

Nearly 25,000 autorickshaw drivers in Maharashtra remain uncertified under the state's Marathi language training programme, data released on Sunday shows. The Times of India reports that 7,750 drivers failed the proficiency test and must reappear, while 17,427 others have not yet completed training. Mumbai accounts for the highest number of pending trainees at 9,196, followed by Thane (4,871), Navi Mumbai (1,400), Palghar (350), and other areas (1,610).

The programme, run by Regional Transport Offices with literary groups, received 1,65,600 applications. Officials told Times of India that 1,40,423 drivers have passed the course. The original deadline for completion was August 15, but India TV quotes State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik saying there will be no extension of that date. The 17,427 drivers who missed the deadline are expected to finish training in one to two weeks. Additional batches are being arranged for those who failed to attend further learning and reappear.