Now Reading: Marathi mandatory for cab drivers in Maharashtra from August 15
-
01
Marathi mandatory for cab drivers in Maharashtra from August 15
The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to make a working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for drivers of taxis, autorickshaws and app-based cabs fitted with electronic…
The Story in Brief
The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to make a working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for drivers of taxis, autorickshaws and app-based cabs fitted with electronic meters. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Wednesday that the August 15 deadline for drivers to learn the language will not be extended.
Under the draft notification, a driver found lacking Marathi skills will get one month to acquire them. Failure could lead to suspension of the driver's authorisation for up to three months and, on continued non-compliance, revocation. Drivers will be given a hearing before revocation. The government says the change removes ambiguity and makes practical Marathi essential for passenger vehicle drivers.
The Indian Opinion
Insisting on functional Marathi for drivers who ferry the public daily is reasonable in a state that prizes its language identity. But the one-month compliance window feels rushed, especially for app-cab drivers from other states who may not have had formal training. The real test will be whether the government provides accessible, free courses in sufficient numbers between now and August 15, or whether this becomes a licence to harass. Will the transport department publish the number of training slots created?
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
