RTOs Issue Notices to Taxi Drivers Outside Dadar Over Marathi Skills

Regional transport offices across Maharashtra have launched a statewide drive to verify whether taxi and autorickshaw drivers possess a working knowledge of Marathi, with flying squads taking action outside Dadar railway station in Mumbai on Thursday.

Officials from the Mumbai RTO issued show-cause notices to non-compliant taxi drivers outside the station, granting them a one-month deadline to learn the language. The drivers were also asked to explain why further disciplinary action should not be initiated against them.

The enforcement follows an announcement by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who stated on August 12 that passenger vehicle drivers must know Marathi to communicate effectively with commuters. Sarnaik subsequently launched a month-long statewide assessment drive on Wednesday and instructed RTO officials to record the inspection process on video.

Under the policy, drivers without the required language skills will initially be given time to learn Marathi. Sarnaik said drivers who fail to comply could have their licence and badge suspended for three months, while persistent non-compliance could result in the cancellation of both. The minister stated that the government aims to protect Marathi and preserve the state's culture rather than disrupt livelihoods, noting that 1.65 lakh drivers have already completed training and received certificates during a 105-day programme.

The drive has led to large crowds at RTOs, where taxi and autorickshaw drivers gathered to collect their completion certificates. Some drivers reported waiting four to six hours, while others faced administrative issues, including missing photographs on certificates and shortages of required forms after receiving tokens.

Transport unions have threatened to stage protests if drivers experience financial losses or exploitation during the enforcement of the rule.