Maharashtra Pilot Test Reveals 15% of Auto Drivers Lack Marathi Proficiency
A pilot initiative conducted by Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities in the Mira-Bhayandar region of Maharashtra revealed that approximately 15% of inspected auto-rickshaw drivers lacked functional knowledge of the Marathi language. Between April 2 and May 1, officials checked 3,760 drivers, finding 587 unable to converse in Marathi, despite all possessing valid licenses and badges. This pilot serves as a precursor to a broader state-wide verification campaign running from May 1 to August 15 across all 59 RTOs in Maharashtra. The drive enforces Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, amended in 2019, which mandates that public transport drivers demonstrate working knowledge of Marathi and local routes. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik clarified that the objective is not to threaten livelihoods but to ensure effective communication between drivers and passengers. Following objections from driver unions regarding potential permit cancellations, the government adopted a softer approach for the current phase, focusing on spot verification, document scrutiny, and language familiarization rather than immediate punitive actions against those lacking language proficiency.
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Maharashtra Pilot Test Reveals 15% of Auto Drivers Lack Marathi Proficiency
A pilot initiative conducted by Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities in the Mira-Bhayandar region of Maharashtra revealed that approximately 15% of inspected auto-rickshaw drivers lacked functional knowledge of the Marathi language. Between April 2 and May 1, officials checked 3,760 drivers, finding 587 unable to converse in Marathi, despite all possessing valid licenses and badges. This pilot serves as a precursor to a broader state-wide verification campaign running from May 1 to August 15 across all 59 RTOs in Maharashtra. The drive enforces Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, amended in 2019, which mandates that public transport drivers demonstrate working knowledge of Marathi and local routes. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik clarified that the objective is not to threaten livelihoods but to ensure effective communication between drivers and passengers. Following objections from driver unions regarding potential permit cancellations, the government adopted a softer approach for the current phase, focusing on spot verification, document scrutiny, and language familiarization rather than immediate punitive actions against those lacking language proficiency.
The Indian Express