Now, Maharashtra CM says auto and taxi drivers will get 1 year to learn Marathi
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that auto and taxi drivers will be given one year to learn 'functional Marathi' after a delegation requested more time. This decision follows a previous drive by the Transport Department to test drivers' Marathi proficiency, which had faced backlash.
Why it matters
This policy impacts a large migrant workforce in Maharashtra, balancing cultural preservation and linguistic requirements with economic realities, and has political implications ahead of upcoming elections.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced that the government has decided to give autorickshaw and taxi drivers one year to learn “functional Marathi”.
The Chief Minister made the announcement after a delegation of representatives of autorickshaw and taxi drivers, led by Haji Arfat Shaikh, met him.
“They requested one year’s time. The State government has accepted their demand. No action will be taken against the during this period. Marathi classes will be organised and study material will be provided to help migrant drivers learn functional Marathi. They have come forward and are willing to learn. Therefore, it was necessary to give them time,” Mr. Fadnavis said.
The move comes days after the Transport Department headed by Shiv Sena Minister Pratap Sarnaik carried out a checking drive and issued notices to drivers who failed a Marathi test.
ALSO WATCH Maharashtra makes Marathi mandatory for cab and auto drivers
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