Maharashtra Gives Public Transport Drivers One Year to Learn Marathi

The Maharashtra government has decided to grant drivers of public transport vehicles a one-year period to learn and become proficient in Marathi, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Thursday.

Addressing concerns following the decision, Sarnaik clarified that the move is not intended to deprive drivers of their livelihoods. The announcement comes amid mixed reactions from taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers across the state regarding the new language requirement.

The government's policy mandates that public transport vehicle drivers acquire proficiency in the state's official language within the given 12-month timeframe.

The requirement has prompted debate among some drivers in the transport sector, with questions raised over whether language proficiency should be made compulsory for operating commercial passenger vehicles.