Maharashtra taxi, auto drivers face Marathi test or badge suspension

Taxi and autorickshaw drivers across Maharashtra are being tested on their working knowledge of Marathi from Thursday, a day after transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the enforcement drive. Regional Transport Office teams are asking drivers 16 situational questions based on routine interactions like asking for directions, communicating fares, and explaining stops for CNG refills. Drivers who fail will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, if they still cannot answer satisfactorily after that, their badge will be suspended for three months.

The questionnaire, sent by the Transport Commissioner's office, draws on Marathi training provided by the Konkan Sahitya Parishad. Sarnaik said 1.65 lakh drivers had already received certificates during a 105-day campaign. The move follows an August 12 amendment to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making working knowledge of Marathi mandatory. However, union leaders and retired RTO officials have criticised the lack of a clear definition of 'working knowledge', warning it could lead to corruption. Some unions have threatened agitation if the drive results in financial exploitation.