The Maharashtra government has made knowledge of Marathi language mandatory for all auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state. Now they should know how to read, write and speak Marathi. The license of drivers who do not follow this rule will be cancelled.
Thane: In Maharashtra, it has now become necessary for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to know Marathi language. The government has made it clear that the licenses of drivers who do not know how to read, write and speak Marathi will be cancelled.
Giving information about this, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, ‘There is already a rule in the state that it is necessary for taxi and auto drivers to know Marathi, but no one is following it. A big campaign will be launched across the state to make people aware. This rule will be strictly enforced from May 1. Those who do not know Marathi, their licenses will be cancelled.
Knowledge of local language is necessary
Sarnaik said in his statement that during the campaign to be run in the regional offices, the drivers will be tested whether they know how to read and write Marathi or not. He said, ‘There is a rule that knowledge of local language is necessary for granting license, but it is being violated on a large scale.’
He also said, ‘Along with giving importance to one’s mother tongue, it is everyone’s duty to learn and respect the language of the state in which you work. The necessity of Marathi is not limited to drivers only.