Maharashtra mandates Marathi for taxi/auto drivers; RTOs become classrooms for language learning
Maharashtra's Transport Minister has made it mandatory for taxi and auto drivers to learn Marathi by August 15 or risk losing their licenses. Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Mumbai are now functioning as classrooms, offering free four-day Marathi courses. This initiative, driven by complaints about drivers' inability to speak Marathi, aims to improve communication with passengers. While some drivers view it as an opportunity to gain more customers, others feel humiliated or anxious about returning to a classroom. The move has sparked political debate, with some questioning the use of taxpayer money and its impact on migrant drivers.
Key Points
- Maharashtra's Transport Minister mandated that taxi and auto drivers must learn Marathi by August 15 to retain their licenses.
- RTOs in Mumbai are offering free four-day Marathi courses, with attendance and a final test required for a certificate.
- The initiative aims to address complaints from Marathi-speaking passengers about drivers' language barriers.
- Drivers show mixed reactions, with some embracing it for better customer relations and others feeling humiliated or anxious.
- The policy has ignited political debate regarding its necessity, funding, and implications for migrant workers.
Exam Facts
- Maharashtra's Transport Minister: Pratap Baburao Sarnaik.
- Deadline for learning Marathi: August 15.
- Number of registered taxis in Mumbai: 88,923.
- Number of registered autos in Mumbai: 4,22,990.
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