Mumbai drivers attend first Marathi certification session, raise concerns over mandatory requirement

Mumbai: At the Tardeo RTO, the state’s push to make Marathi proficiency mandatory for public transport drivers moved from policy to classroom.

In the first batch of a four-week Marathi-language certification programme -- witnessed by this correspondent -- autorickshaw and taxi drivers repeated everyday phrases meant to smooth rides across a multilingual city—how to ask for a destination, explain a detour, discuss fares, or handle traffic delays.

The session, held inside the RTO premises, focused as much on conduct as on communication. The trainer urged drivers to pair language with courtesy, telling them to treat every commuter with dignity and warmth. “Har passenger ko Bhagwan samajhkar uska samman karo,” she said, framing the initiative as a public-service upgrade rather than a compliance exercise.

Yet, the first cohort also captured the anxieties of a workforce that includes many long-time migrants and older drivers. Several told TOI the training should be aimed primarily at younger entrants. Chandraprakash Gupta, an auto driver in his 40s, questioned the practicality of learning a new language mid-career. Satwinder Singh, a Sion-based taxi driver who has lived in Mumbai for decades, said drivers are not opposed to learning but want leniency for middle-aged and senior participants unfamiliar with classroom settings.

Others questioned the on-road need. “Passengers toh humse baat hi nhi karte… mujhe toh sirf right aur left janna he,” said Sunil Dubey, arguing that safety and navigation matter more than conversation. Virendra Prasad Chaurasia raised questions of parity, asking whether app-based cab drivers and government staff who interact with citizens would face similar standards, and pointed to the daily wage dilemma: attend training or earn. Migrant drivers also fear that the new oral and written Marathi checks for PSV badge issuance and renewal could raise barriers for newcomers seeking a livelihood.

An RTO official, however, said that irrespective of age, everyone will have to know basic Marathi, and this is necessary in the commuters’ interest. Apart from classrooms at RTOs, the transport department has also launched an app, Mentza, for drivers to learn basic Marathi from home. Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik has set an Aug 15 deadline for all drivers to learn Marathi, adding that no extension will be granted.

Officials said successful candidates will receive an official certificate linked to their licence and permit details, and warned that drivers without certification could face action during future inspections.