Mumbai, The Maharashtra government has proposed to amend the law to make “working knowledge of Marathi language” mandatory for cab drivers, with non-compliance potentially leading to suspension or revocation of their driving licences, officials said.
Key Statements
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday said there will be no extension of the August 15 deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi.
Political Context
“Working knowledge of the local language is necessary to communicate with passengers, understand what they have to say and ensure safe and convenient travel. Failure to comply with the requirement within the stipulated period may lead to suspension of the authorisation on the driver’s licence for up to three months. Earlier, Sarnaik on Wednesday said the government will not extend the August 15 deadline for non-Marathi taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers to learn Marathi. On August 17, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will present certificates to hundreds of auto-rickshaw drivers who have completed the Marathi training course organised by the government, he said.
Under the proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the driver of a motor cab fitted with an electronic meter will have to possess “working knowledge of Marathi language”, according to a draft notification issued by the state government, a copy of which was shared with the media by Sarnaik’s office on Wednesday. This will enable more effective implementation of these rules in the future,” Sarnaik said. The licensing authority will issue a notice granting the driver one month to acquire the required working knowledge of Marathi if he/she is found lacking it, according to the draft notification. Continued non-compliance may subsequently result in revocation of the authorisation, according to the draft notification.
