Politics · India Bureau
Maharashtra Issues Notices to Over 1,200 Drivers for Marathi Language Deficiency
Maharashtra's government has served notices to more than 1,200 auto and taxi drivers for failing to meet newly mandated Marathi language proficiency standards. The state had previously announced the requirement and offered training courses to help non-Marathi speaking drivers comply.
LSN India ·
Maharashtra authorities have issued notices to over 1,200 auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across the state for not meeting compulsory Marathi language proficiency standards introduced earlier this year. The state government had announced in May that basic proficiency in Marathi would become mandatory for all commercial vehicle operators, giving drivers a specified period to acquire the necessary language skills.
In response to the new requirement, the state government rolled out a dedicated Marathi language course designed specifically for non-Marathi speaking drivers. The initiative aimed to help drivers meet the proficiency standards within a reasonable timeframe, allowing them to continue their livelihoods while complying with the regulation.
The notices represent enforcement action against drivers who failed to complete the course or demonstrate adequate Marathi language ability before the government-set deadline. The move reflects Maharashtra's push to promote the regional language among service sector workers who interact regularly with the public.
It remains unclear how many drivers have successfully completed the course or whether the government plans to provide additional opportunities for those who have received notices to comply with the requirement.