Maharashtra stalls mandatory Marathi-speaking rule for drivers

The Maharashtra government has deferred its decision to make speaking Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. Speaking after a meeting with various taxi and rickshaw unions in Mumbai on Monday, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the discussions were positive and that none of the associations opposed the use of Marathi. However, the unions sought additional time to comply with the proposed requirement. He also assured that the government would ensure that no driver loses their livelihood due to the policy while continuing efforts to promote the use of Marathi among public transport operators. The Minister reiterated that the government remains firm on its decision to make Marathi mandatory.
From May 1 to Aug 15, govt will conduct a survey across 59 RTOs to determine how many drivers are Marathi-speaking and how many are not. The exercise will also detect fake licences, bogus badges and permit-related irregularities. Non-Marathi-speaking drivers will be guided to training centres and offered tuition to acquire practical proficiency. "After giving them a reasonable chance, we will strictly enforce law," Sarnaik said.
The transport ministry has withdrawn its earlier decision of reading and writing tests in Marathi and will instead prepare a short curriculum focused on practical use. The State government put on hold the decision to cancel licences and permits of auto and taxi drivers from May 1 over non-compliance with the Marathi language requirement.
Earlier,Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has urged the Maharashtra government to postpone its plan to make Marathi mandatory for autorickshaw and taxi drivers by six months to a year. In a letter to Sarnaik on Saturday, Nirupam said the decision to make Marathi compulsory for autorickshaw and taxi drivers has created unease. “There is no doubt that Marathi is the identity and pride of Maharashtra. But learning any language depends on a person’s ability to grasp it,” said Nirupam, a prominent North Indian face of the Shiv Sena, the news agency reported.