Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 20: Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across Maharashtra on Thursday launched a month-long drive to check the working knowledge of Marathi among taxi and autorickshaw drivers, officials said.

The drive is being conducted under motor vehicle rules notified on August 12, which require drivers of these public transport vehicles to have a working knowledge of Marathi. RTO teams have also been directed to videograph the language proficiency checks.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the statewide drive on Wednesday and directed RTOs to document the verification process. Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad will oversee the exercise, while RTO flying squads have been instructed to conduct checks across the state.

Sarnaik said drivers found lacking the required Marathi proficiency would initially be given an opportunity to learn the language. If they fail to comply with the requirement, their driving licence and badge could be suspended for three months. Continued non-compliance could result in cancellation of both the licence and badge, he said.

The minister said the government does not intend to affect anyone's livelihood but wants to ensure that the Marathi language, along with the state's identity and culture, is preserved.

He said around 1.65 lakh drivers had already undergone Marathi training and received certificates during a 105-day campaign, which received a positive response.

A senior official from the Tardeo RTO in Mumbai said flying squads had been directed to take action in accordance with instructions received from the Transport Commissioner's office a day earlier.

An officer from the Andheri RTO said officials have also started checking the Marathi knowledge of autorickshaw and taxi drivers when they approach the office to renew their vehicles' fitness certificates.

The move, however, has drawn concern from transport unions, which have warned of agitation if drivers face financial hardship or are allegedly subjected to exploitation during enforcement of the requirement.

According to Sarnaik, the requirement for practical knowledge of Marathi among autorickshaw and taxi drivers has been in force in Maharashtra since 1989 but was not strictly implemented. The provision will now be enforced strictly following a relevant legal amendment notified on August 12.