Maharashtra grants auto, taxi drivers one year to learn functional Marathi

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Thursday that the state government has accepted the demand of autorickshaw and taxi drivers for a one-year extension to learn functional Marathi. The decision follows a meeting between the Chief Minister and a delegation of driver representatives led by Haji Arfat Shaikh.

Fadnavis stated that the government will not take any action against drivers during this grace period. Marathi classes will be organised and study material will be provided to help migrant drivers achieve functional proficiency in the language. The Chief Minister noted that the drivers have come forward willingly to learn, making it necessary to give them adequate time.

The announcement comes days after the Transport Department, headed by Shiv Sena Minister Pratap Sarnaik, conducted a checking drive and issued notices to drivers who failed a Marathi test. The move had drawn backlash from a section of drivers, particularly those from Uttar Pradesh, who constitute a significant part of the workforce in Maharashtra's major economic hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.

Fadnavis said the representatives shared the concerns of drivers, many of whom left studies years ago and find it difficult to learn the language in a short span. The drivers have presented an elaborate plan to learn functional Marathi within one year, and the state government has agreed to support them.

The state had earlier announced in April that non-Marathi drivers must attain basic proficiency in the official language, with August 15 set as the deadline. Marathi classes were organised for drivers during the interim period.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde lauded Transport Minister Sarnaik for implementing the decision, stating that 1.60 lakh non-Marathi people have learnt the language through this initiative. He added that 15,000 to 20,000 auto and taxi drivers have been certified in Mumbai alone.