15% drivers fail to speak Marathi in Maharashtra RTO checks

The Maharashtra government has launched a state-wide campaign to ensure that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers have basic knowledge of Marathi. However, in a significant development, around 15% of the drivers who appeared for the checks were unable to clear the criteria, as per reports. 

The move aims to improve communication between drivers and passengers while promoting the local language in public transport services.

However, a pilot project was carried out in the Mira-Bhayander area from April 2 to May 1. During the inspection, officials checked 3,760 drivers out of nearly 12,000 registered autorickshaw drivers. Around 15 to 20% of the drivers were reportedly unable to speak Marathi properly.

After the pilot project, the state has now decided to expand the checking drive to all 59 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) from May 1 to August 15. Officials are checking both vehicle documents and drivers’ ability to communicate in Marathi.

Under Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, public transport drivers are expected to have basic knowledge of Marathi along with one more commonly spoken language. The government says the purpose of the campaign is not to punish drivers or cancel their permits, but to help them communicate better with passengers.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik have said that no strict action will be taken for now and the focus will remain on awareness and training.

Meanwhile, some taxi and rickshaw unions have raised concerns over the issue, saying migrant drivers should not be unfairly targeted. The government has assured that no penalties related to language rules will be imposed till August 15.