State to offer free Marathi classes for cab, auto drivers after language mandate

Pune: State govt is planning to offer basic Marathi training to autorickshaw and cab drivers who do not speak the language, following its decision to make knowing Marathi mandatory or face possible cancellation of their licences.State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Thursday that, during a meeting with representatives from the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, both organisations expressed their willingness to help teach functional Marathi. "A curriculum would soon be developed to impart basic working knowledge of the language to drivers," Sarnaik said.Earlier this month, the govt had announced that drivers must know Marathi, warning that action would be taken against those who do not comply.While the decision has had limited impact in Pune, several auto and cab unions, mainly in Mumbai, called for a statewide strike on May 4 in protest.Sarnaik explained that the training initiative is intended to make learning Marathi accesible and stress-free. The Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad has offered to conduct classes through its 72 branches, while the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh plans to provide online lessons through volunteer teachers. The training will be free of charge.The minister also announced that, starting May 1 (Maharashtra Day), authorities will launch a statewide drive to inspect the licences of autorickshaw and taxi drivers. In addition to checking regulatory compliance, officials will assess whether drivers have a basic understanding of Marathi. Sarnaik clarified that the initiative aims to address communication issues faced by passengers and to ease concerns among non-Marathi-speaking drivers.He noted that many passengers across the state have experienced difficulties due to language barriers, especially when drivers from other states are unable to communicate in Marathi.The move, however, has received mixed reactions.Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rickshawaala Union, said the proposed strike is unlikely to impact Pune, where most drivers already know the language. "If Marathi is so important, enforcement should begin at higher levels rather than targeting drivers who are already under financial strain," he said.A cab driver from Madhya Pradesh, currently working in Pune, also expressed concern. "Many drivers do not know Marathi but communication is usually manageable since most locals understand Hindi. It would be difficult for drivers to find time to learn a new language considering our long working hours," he said.
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