Now Reading: Marathi mandatory for cab drivers in Maharashtra, licence at stake
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Marathi mandatory for cab drivers in Maharashtra, licence at stake
The Maharashtra government has proposed amending motor vehicle rules to make a 'working knowledge of Marathi' mandatory for drivers of autorickshaws, taxis and app-based cabs fitted with electronic meters. Non-compliance could lead…
The Story in Brief
The Maharashtra government has proposed amending motor vehicle rules to make a 'working knowledge of Marathi' mandatory for drivers of autorickshaws, taxis and app-based cabs fitted with electronic meters. Non-compliance could lead to licence suspension for up to three months or revocation, the draft notification states. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the August 15 deadline for drivers to learn Marathi will not be extended. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will distribute certificates on August 17 to drivers who completed a government-run Marathi training course. The requirement will also apply to permit renewals.
The Indian Opinion
The Marathi language mandate sounds reasonable on paper but risks being used as a lever for harassment rather than a tool for convenience. While Transport Minister Sarnaik frames it as passenger-friendly, critics like Congress leader Wadettiwar rightly question coercion. The real test will be the August 15 deadline: will enforcement be fair to the lakhs of migrant drivers who power Mumbai's app-cabs and autos, or will it become another checkpoint for bribery? Watch how many licences are actually suspended.
Sources (2): livemint.com, rediff.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
