'Learn Marathi in 1 year': Maharashtra govt extends deadline for auto, taxi drivers
The Maharashtra government has granted a one-year extension for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn functional Marathi. This decision follows protests and concerns that the original deadline was too short for older drivers to comply with the state's language requirements.
Why it matters
The policy reflects the ongoing tension between regional language preservation and the practical realities of the labor force in urban Indian centers.
MUMBAI: Maharashtra government has decided to give auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers one year to learn functional Marathi, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Thursday.He said that no action will be taken against drivers during this period for not having the required knowledge of the state's official language.This comes days after the Transport Department carried out a statewide checking drive and issued notices to drivers who failed a Marathi test.Fadnavis said representatives of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers' organisations, led by Haji Arfat Shaikh, had met him and supported the requirement for drivers to learn basic Marathi.However, the representatives pointed out that drivers belonged to different age groups and many had left formal education years ago, making it difficult for them to learn the language within a short period, he said.“They requested that they be given one year's time.
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