Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 27: Pratap Sarnaik has convened a meeting with representatives of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers’ unions to discuss the implementation of making “practical Marathi” mandatory for commercial passenger vehicle drivers across Maharashtra.

The meeting is scheduled at 12.30 pm on Monday at the minister’s chamber and will be attended by labour leaders Sanjay Nirupam and Shashank Sharad Rao, along with other union representatives.

The move follows Sarnaik’s earlier announcement that knowledge of Marathi would be made compulsory for drivers of auto-rickshaws and taxis. The state government plans to begin verification of documents as well as drivers’ Marathi language proficiency from May 1.

As part of the initiative, organisations such as the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad will conduct training sessions to help drivers learn the language across the state.

Sarnaik said the campaign aims to promote and propagate Marathi while also addressing irregularities in the issuance of transport licences. He emphasised that drivers are expected to understand and speak Marathi, and not necessarily write it.

A statewide drive will be launched from May 1 to check fake documents and assess language proficiency. The minister warned that strict action would be taken against those who fail to comply with the new norms.

He added that the government is open to suggestions from union leaders and will incorporate practical inputs before rolling out the initiative more widely.