Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that autorickshaw and taxi drivers in the state do not need to be fluent in Marathi, amid growing opposition to the government’s language requirement.
Fadnavis said the objective is only to ensure that drivers have enough knowledge of Marathi to communicate with passengers. He stressed that the government is not asking non-Marathi-speaking drivers to become experts in the language.The clarification comes amid protests by sections of Mumbai’s autorickshaw and taxi drivers against the Marathi language verification process. Drivers have expressed concerns that strict implementation of the rule could affect their ability to work.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has defended the requirement, saying drivers operating in Maharashtra should have basic Marathi communication skills.
The government has also introduced a verification process to assess drivers’ knowledge of the language.Under the process, drivers may be asked to demonstrate their ability to understand and communicate in Marathi. Those who do not meet the required level are expected to get an opportunity to improve their language skills rather than immediately losing their licences or permits.
The issue has sparked a wider debate in Mumbai over the use and promotion of Marathi, with the government maintaining that promoting the state’s official language should not be confused with forcing people to learn it through coercion.Fadnavis’ latest remarks are aimed at making it clear that the language requirement is intended to ensure basic communication between drivers and passengers, rather than impose Marathi fluency as a condition for employment.
Also Read: Mumbai: Auto Drivers’ Protest Disrupts Traffic on Kandivali Link Road
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