Marathi mandatory for rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra from May 1

Mumbai:

Knowing Marathi will be mandatory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra from May 1, Cabinet Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Tuesday. In a statement, he said that a statewide campaign will be carried out through the Motor Transport Department to implement the directive.

The Minister also warned that the licenses of drivers who do not possess basic knowledge of Marathi will be cancelled. 

Mandatory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers to know Marathi

"From May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, it will be mandatory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers to know Marathi. A state-wide inspection campaign will be conducted through 59 regional and sub-regional offices of the Motor Transport Department to verify if drivers can read and write the language," the minister stated.

Sarnaik noted that the rule mandating knowledge of the local language for issuing licences is already in place, but is being widely flouted.

Transport Department received numerous complaints

He said the Transport Department has received numerous complaints, particularly from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur, about drivers being unable or unwilling to communicate with passengers in Marathi.

"It is everyone's duty to learn the language of the region where they conduct business. While it is important to be proud of one's mother tongue, it is equally vital to respect the state's language while working there," the Shiv Sena leader added.

He said the crackdown would not be limited to drivers alone. "Strict action will also be taken against transport officials found guilty of incorrectly issuing licenses by ignoring these established rules," the minister stated.

Also Read: Mumbai music event tragedy: Two students die after suspected drug overdose; six nabbed 

Also Read: 11 dead as van collides with cement mixer in Maharashtra's Thane district