Learn Marathi in 1 month or lose licence? New rules for auto, taxi drivers kick in
Auto and taxi drivers in Mumbai are now required to have a functional knowledge of Marathi, with enforcement beginning August 18. Drivers failing to demonstrate proficiency face a show-cause notice and potential license suspension if they do not complete language training.
Why it matters
This policy reflects local efforts to preserve regional language and culture, while also impacting the livelihoods of migrant workers in the transport sector.
MUMBAI: With working knowledge of Marathi being made mandatory for auto taxi drivers from August 18, those caught by RTO flying squads will be served a show-cause notice, granting them one month to learn the language and explain why action should not be initiated against them.As per the amended Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, the action against non-compliant drivers will follow a three-step process.Under the first stage, RTO flying squads will conduct random checks to assess drivers’ proficiency in functional Marathi.Drivers found lacking adequate knowledge will be issued a show-cause notice and will get a month to learn the basic language.An RTO official said on Saturday that the govt programme where RTO offices trained the drivers “was not being extended at present” and such drivers may have to learn the language through private course.Second, if a driver fails to comply with the showcause notice and does not acquire the required language…
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