Maharashtra to Launch Marathi Training for Auto, Taxi and App-Based Drivers Ahead of May 1 Deadline, Says Transport Minister Sarnaik
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government will develop a dedicated training curriculum to teach Marathi to auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers across the state, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Wednesday. The move is part of the government’s decision to make Marathi communication mandatory for all such drivers from May 1 Maharashtra Day.
The directive will cover drivers operating under app-based platforms including Ola, Uber and e-bike services, in addition to conventional auto-rickshaw and taxi operators.
Sarnaik said a special meeting has been scheduled for April 24, bringing together language experts, litterateurs and administrative officials from relevant departments to finalise the implementation framework, communication mandate and training plan for non-Marathi speaking drivers.
The minister underlined that the initiative goes beyond being a regulatory requirement. “Efforts will also be made to ensure that the move fosters a sense of affinity for the Marathi language among drivers, rather than remaining merely an administrative directive,” he told reporters.
Sarnaik also acknowledged the shortcomings of an earlier push on the same issue. “Despite the decision taken in 2019, several complaints have been received about its poor implementation in many places. It has been observed that passengers often face difficulties as non-local drivers do not communicate in Marathi,” he said.
The minister added that anyone conducting business in the state should be able to converse in Marathi, and that the initiative would help ease communication between drivers and passengers while upholding the dignity of the language.
The move has gained added significance following Marathi being granted the status of a “classical language.” In response to the government’s announcement, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has already begun placing stickers on autorickshaws in Mumbai indicating that the driver is Marathi-speaking.