Mumbai, April 28: Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik reiterated on Monday that all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state must possess basic knowledge of the Marathi language to improve communication with passengers.
Initially, the state government aimed to implement this requirement by May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day. However, following requests from driver unions, this deadline may be extended.
This decision emerged from a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Transport, chaired by Minister Sarnaik. The meeting included Sanjay Nirupam from the Shinde Sena, rickshaw union leader Shashank Rao, and other union representatives.
While many unions supported this initiative, they also highlighted practical challenges in its immediate implementation. Some unions requested an extension of three months, while others sought a six-month period. A few representatives even suggested allowing up to a year for proper training of drivers.
Minister Sarnaik stated that the government is willing to assist, but compliance with the rules will be mandatory. He mentioned that no final decision on extending the deadline has been made yet, and a meeting with 59 regional transport officers is scheduled for Tuesday to finalize the timeline. He also indicated that the government is prepared to provide teachers and classes if necessary, but refusal to learn or arrogance will not be tolerated.
The meeting on Tuesday will determine when the rules will take effect, how much additional time drivers will receive, and the structure of language proficiency testing or training. The official announcement regarding the new deadline will be made by Minister Sarnaik after this meeting.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Nirupam, the deputy leader of Shiv Sena, emphasized that Marathi is not just a language but also the identity and pride of Maharashtra. He stated that the language should be learned with love, not imposed forcefully. Nirupam affirmed that Shiv Sena is united on this issue and has always been at the forefront of protecting and promoting the Marathi language, which has even earned classical language status at the national level.
He assured that the party will not compromise on the dignity of Marathi, while also advocating for a humane and inclusive approach. Nirupam noted that the implementation of this policy has created anxiety and confusion among thousands of auto and taxi drivers in Mumbai.
In a multicultural city like Mumbai, many drivers come from different parts of the country and are willing to learn Marathi, but they require sufficient time and proper training. He urged the government to postpone this mandate for at least a year and provide support through Marathi language training programs, ensuring that the issue is resolved with sensitivity rather than force.
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My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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