Marathi-language checks for autorickshaw, taxi and app-based motor cab drivers in Maharashtra will begin from August 18, with a one-month opportunity being provided to those who fail to demonstrate the required proficiency during the initial assessment.
Drivers who are unable to demonstrate a satisfactory working knowledge of Marathi will first be issued notices. They will then be given one month to improve their language skills and appear for another test. Those who fail the second assessment will face a three-month suspension of their driving licence. A repeat violation could subsequently result in cancellation of the licence. An RTO officer was quoted as saying, “We will be issuing notices to all those who fail to converse in Marathi. They will be given a month to retake the test and pass. If they fail again, we will suspend their licence for three months.”
The move comes as large numbers of passenger transport vehicle drivers continue to visit regional transport offices (RTOs) across Maharashtra for the Marathi assessment. Of the state’s estimated 1.5 million drivers, around 125,000 had taken the test by Friday. The testing process has also resulted in long queues at RTOs. Taxi driver Bhola Singh from Wadala said some drivers had waited for eight to ten hours before being asked to leave because many others were still waiting to take the test. The requirement has been introduced through amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The changes empower licensing authorities to take action against drivers who fail to meet the Marathi-language requirement, while requiring the reasons for such action to be recorded in writing.
The amended provisions cover authorised drivers and permit holders of autorickshaws, taxis and app-based motor cabs fitted with electronic meters. A separate provision has also been included for app-based motor cab drivers. The required level of language knowledge has been described as satisfactory practical Marathi, with the concerned licensing authority determining whether the standard has been met. The state government has maintained that the requirement is intended to ensure effective communication between passenger vehicle drivers and commuters. Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik had reiterated on August 12 that passenger transport vehicle drivers needed a working knowledge of Marathi for this purpose.
The transport department had earlier set August 15 as the deadline for drivers to meet the requirement. Since the policy was announced in April, transport unions, RTOs and political organisations have organised Marathi-language training sessions and assessments for drivers across Mumbai. With checks beginning on August 18, drivers who initially fail will now receive an additional month to meet the language requirement before licence-related penalties are imposed.
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