Indian state gives taxi and tuk-tuk drivers a year to learn local language
The Indian state of Maharashtra has granted taxi and tuk-tuk drivers an additional year to learn the local language, Marathi, following protests. The mandate was originally intended to improve passenger-driver communication but faced backlash from migrant workers fearing job loss.
Why it matters
It illustrates the ongoing tension between regional linguistic identity and the economic needs of a mobile, migrant workforce.
Image source, ANI Image caption, Transport officials in Maharashtra had begun testing drivers' ability to speak basic Marathi, the state's official language
An Indian state has given taxi and tuk-tuk drivers one more year to learn the local language after a new rule making it mandatory sparked protests.
Transport officials in the western state of Maharashtra had begun testing drivers' ability to conduct basic conversations in Marathi, the state's official language, on 20 August. Those who failed were given a month to learn the language, after which they risked having their licences suspended or cancelled.
The government said the requirement was meant to improve communication between drivers and passengers and ensure safer journeys.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in