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Taxi drivers face license suspension if they lack Marathi proficiency; enforcement begins August 18 – Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik
Mumbai: The 105-day grace period granted to auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi has now ended. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced, during an exclusive conversation with *Lokmat*, that direct action will now be taken against drivers who lack a working knowledge of Marathi.
Sarnaik stated, "Although the 1989 law existed, it had not been implemented. It is essential for a driver conducting business here to possess a practical understanding of Marathi. Following discussions with driver unions, a 105-day period—from May 1 to August 15—was provided. We will not hesitate to take the necessary action starting August 18."
Training and Support
The Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh provided significant cooperation. A four-page booklet containing 18 to 20 sentences useful for drivers was created. As the Transport Department lacked funds, the Marathi Language Department provided a grant of ?1 crore to the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh. Approximately 1.10 lakh drivers were trained across the state with the assistance of 1,600 instructors. Participants who completed the training will receive a certificate featuring a QR code.
Enforcement Process
Drivers lacking Marathi proficiency will first be issued a notice and granted a one-month grace period. If they learn Marathi during this time, their license will not be revoked. Failure to learn the language will result in the license being suspended for three months. If they still fail to learn it, the license will be cancelled. Proficiency in Marathi will also be assessed at the time of license renewal.
While some political leaders attempted to capitalize on this campaign or halt it, the Minister has maintained a firm stance.
Mumbai: The 105-day grace period granted to auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi has now ended. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced, during an exclusive conversation with *Lokmat*, that direct action will now be taken against drivers who lack a working knowledge of Marathi.
Sarnaik stated, "Although the 1989 law existed, it had not been implemented. It is essential for a driver conducting business here to possess a practical understanding of Marathi. Following discussions with driver unions, a 105-day period—from May 1 to August 15—was provided. We will not hesitate to take the necessary action starting August 18."
Training and Support
The Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh provided significant cooperation. A four-page booklet containing 18 to 20 sentences useful for drivers was created. As the Transport Department lacked funds, the Marathi Language Department provided a grant of ?1 crore to the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh. Approximately 1.10 lakh drivers were trained across the state with the assistance of 1,600 instructors. Participants who completed the training will receive a certificate featuring a QR code.
Enforcement Process
Drivers lacking Marathi proficiency will first be issued a notice and granted a one-month grace period. If they learn Marathi during this time, their license will not be revoked. Failure to learn the language will result in the license being suspended for three months. If they still fail to learn it, the license will be cancelled. Proficiency in Marathi will also be assessed at the time of license renewal.
While some political leaders attempted to capitalize on this campaign or halt it, the Minister has maintained a firm stance.
Sarnaik stated, "Although the 1989 law existed, it had not been implemented. It is essential for a driver conducting business here to possess a practical understanding of Marathi. Following discussions with driver unions, a 105-day period—from May 1 to August 15—was provided. We will not hesitate to take the necessary action starting August 18."
Training and Support
The Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh provided significant cooperation. A four-page booklet containing 18 to 20 sentences useful for drivers was created. As the Transport Department lacked funds, the Marathi Language Department provided a grant of ?1 crore to the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh. Approximately 1.10 lakh drivers were trained across the state with the assistance of 1,600 instructors. Participants who completed the training will receive a certificate featuring a QR code.
Enforcement Process
Drivers lacking Marathi proficiency will first be issued a notice and granted a one-month grace period. If they learn Marathi during this time, their license will not be revoked. Failure to learn the language will result in the license being suspended for three months. If they still fail to learn it, the license will be cancelled. Proficiency in Marathi will also be assessed at the time of license renewal.
While some political leaders attempted to capitalize on this campaign or halt it, the Minister has maintained a firm stance.
