Marathi test for auto, taxi drivers: RTOs launch statewide checks

Nagpur : Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across Maharashtra on Thursday began enforcing the State Government’s requirement that autorickshaw and taxi drivers possess a working knowledge of Marathi, officials said.

The month-long exercise follows the Motor Vehicle rules notified on August 12, under which practical knowledge of Marathi has been made a requirement for drivers operating these public transport vehicles.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the statewide campaign on Wednesday and directed RTO officials to ensure that the verification process is properly documented through videography. Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad has been tasked with supervising the drive, while RTO flying squads have been instructed to conduct checks across the state.

Officials said the squads have started assessing drivers’ Marathi proficiency during routine enforcement activities. Drivers appearing at RTOs for renewal of their vehicles’ fitness certificates are also being checked for their knowledge of the language.

A senior RTO official said flying squads had received instructions from the Transport Commissioner’s office on Wednesday to initiate action in accordance with the amended rules.

The government has adopted a graded approach towards drivers who fail to meet the language requirement. Sarnaik said such drivers would initially be given an opportunity to learn Marathi. However, failure to comply thereafter could result in suspension of their driving licence and badge for three months. Repeated non-compliance could ultimately lead to cancellation of both.

Sarnaik maintained that the objective was not to deprive drivers of their livelihood but to ensure that those providing public transport services in Maharashtra are able to communicate in Marathi and respect the state’s linguistic and cultural identity.

According to the minister, around 1.65 lakh drivers have already undergone Marathi language training and received certificates during a 105-day campaign conducted by the department. He said the initiative had received a positive response.

The requirement for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to possess practical knowledge of Marathi has, according to Sarnaik, been part of the rules in Maharashtra since 1989. However, the provision was not being enforced strictly. Following the legal amendment notified on August 12, the government has now decided to implement it rigorously.

The enforcement, however, has drawn concern from transport unions, which have warned of agitation if the drive results in financial hardship for drivers or leads to alleged harassment and exploitation during inspections.

Source: Nagpur Today