Thane: Banners warning non-Marathi auto and taxi drivers have been put up near the central office of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Thane, triggering fresh debate over language politics in the state. The posters specifically target drivers who do not speak Marathi and caution them against inconveniencing the public.
MNS banner for non-Marathi speaking drivers
The banner reads, “If you don’t know Marathi and try to trouble the general public by calling for a shutdown, remember — you are dealing with MNS. This will not be tolerated under any circumstances… khal khatyaak…”
The banners have reportedly been installed by MNS leader Avinash Jadhav and city vice-president Sushant Dombe.
Attention is now on how the Regional Transport Department will respond to directives issued by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. The development comes amid the state government’s push to ensure Marathi proficiency among cab and auto drivers.
Marathi mandate from May 1
Announcing the move, Sarnaik said that drivers across Maharashtra will be required to speak Marathi from May 1. The government has enlisted two organisations, Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, to train non-Marathi drivers.
The transport department will begin assessing drivers, including those working with app-based platforms, on their Marathi proficiency. As part of a pilot project, officials have started checking how many auto permit holders in Mira Bhayander can speak the language.
The drive will extend across 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Sarnaik clarified that there will be no written test; instead, drivers will be evaluated on their ability to understand and communicate in Marathi. Those who pass will receive a certificate as proof of proficiency.
“Non-Marathi drivers should be able to speak professional Marathi with customers,” Sarnaik said Thursday. He added that the training organisations will design a suitable teaching module for drivers.