Maharashtra taxi, auto drivers face Marathi test, badge suspension

Maharashtra has begun a statewide drive to test the working knowledge of Marathi among taxi, autorickshaw, and app-based cab drivers. The Regional Transport Office teams are asking drivers 16 questions based on common work situations, such as communicating about CNG, meters, fares, and routes. Drivers who fail to answer satisfactorily receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, if they still fail after that, their badge can be suspended for three months.

Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the move on Wednesday, saying the government aims to preserve Marathi and the state's identity and culture, not to affect livelihoods. He said 1.65 lakh drivers have already undergone Marathi training. The enforcement follows an amendment to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making working knowledge of Marathi mandatory. The Times of India reports that some union leaders, including Seva Sarathi Taxi Union leader DM Gosavi, have questioned the lack of a clear definition of 'working knowledge' and warned that it could fuel corruption. Retired RTO officials also noted the absence of a standardised test or benchmark.

On the first day of the drive, India TV reports that 1,268 drivers were issued notices. The transport department has instructed RTO officials to videograph the testing process. Union leaders have threatened agitation if the drive leads to financial exploitation of drivers.